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A quantitative mononuclear cell antigen test, represented by CPT® Code 86356, is a laboratory procedure that utilizes flow cytometry to measure specific antigens present on mononuclear cells. Mononuclear cells, which include lymphocytes and monocytes, are isolated from heparinized whole blood, ensuring that the blood sample remains in a liquid state for accurate analysis. The process begins with the harvesting of these cells, followed by dilution of the mononuclear fraction to prepare it for testing. Paired aliquots of the diluted sample are then incubated with monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the target antigens. This binding allows for the identification and quantification of the antigens present in the sample. After incubation, the samples, along with control specimens, are analyzed using flow cytometry, a sophisticated technology that enables the rapid measurement of multiple parameters of individual cells as they flow in a stream through a laser beam. It is important to note that this code is applicable for each antigen tested, making it essential for accurate reporting and billing in laboratory settings where multiple antigens may be assessed in a single testing session.
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The quantitative mononuclear cell antigen test (CPT® Code 86356) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where the assessment of specific antigens on mononuclear cells is necessary. This test may be performed in the following situations:
The procedure for conducting a quantitative mononuclear cell antigen test using CPT® Code 86356 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results. The process begins with the collection of heparinized whole blood from the patient, which prevents clotting and preserves the integrity of the mononuclear cells. Once the blood is collected, the mononuclear cells are isolated through a centrifugation process that separates these cells from other blood components. The isolated mononuclear fraction is then diluted to achieve the appropriate concentration for testing. Following dilution, paired aliquots of the sample are prepared and incubated with specific monoclonal antibodies that target the antigens of interest. This incubation allows the antibodies to bind to their respective antigens on the surface of the mononuclear cells. After the incubation period, the samples, along with control specimens, are analyzed using flow cytometry. This advanced technique involves passing the cells through a laser beam, where they are detected and quantified based on the fluorescence emitted from the bound antibodies. The flow cytometry analysis provides detailed information about the presence and quantity of each antigen tested, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of the mononuclear cell population.
After the quantitative mononuclear cell antigen test is completed, there are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient, as the procedure is minimally invasive and involves only a blood draw. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the test. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to review the results of the test in conjunction with other clinical findings to make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, any abnormal findings may necessitate further testing or follow-up evaluations to assess the patient's condition more thoroughly.
| Short Descr | MONONUCLEAR CELL ANTIGEN | Medium Descr | MONONUCLEAR CELL ANTIGEN QUANTITATIVE NOS EA | Long Descr | Mononuclear cell antigen, quantitative (eg, flow cytometry), not otherwise specified, each antigen | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 7 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
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| 2008-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2008. |