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Official Description

Flow cytometry, cell cycle or DNA analysis

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Flow cytometry, cell cycle or DNA analysis, as described by CPT® Code 88182, is a sophisticated laboratory test that employs flow cytometry technology to analyze the cell cycle or DNA content of various cell types. This procedure involves the use of fluorescent dyes that specifically bind to DNA, allowing for the visualization and quantification of cells within a sample. The samples can be derived from a variety of sources, including tissue tumors, body fluids, blood, bone marrow, and urine or bladder washings. Once the cells are stained, they are suspended in a fluid stream and passed through an automated detector. This process generates a DNA histogram or cell cycle profile, which is instrumental in assessing the prognosis of malignant tumors and evaluating products of conception for conditions such as hydatidiform mole. The flow cytometry technique enables the counting and sorting of cells based on specific biomarkers, facilitating the differentiation between normal and tumor cells. It is important to note that the sample for this analysis must be obtained through a separately reportable procedure, and the findings are documented in a written report that details the results of the analysis.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The flow cytometry, cell cycle or DNA analysis procedure is indicated for several specific clinical scenarios, particularly in the evaluation of malignancies and reproductive health. The following conditions warrant the use of this laboratory test:

  • Malignant Tumors This procedure is utilized to assess the prognosis of malignant tumors, providing critical information regarding the behavior and potential progression of the disease.
  • Hydatidiform Mole Flow cytometry is also indicated for evaluating products of conception, specifically to detect the presence of hydatidiform mole, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue.

2. Procedure

The procedure for flow cytometry, cell cycle or DNA analysis involves several key steps that ensure accurate and reliable results. Each step is crucial for the successful execution of the test:

  • Sample Collection The first step involves obtaining a sample from the patient. This sample can be derived from various sources, including tissue tumors, body fluids, blood, bone marrow, or urine and bladder washings. It is essential that the sample is collected using a separately reportable procedure to ensure proper documentation and billing.
  • Staining of Cells Once the sample is collected, the cells are stained with a fluorescent dye that specifically binds to DNA. This staining process is critical as it allows for the visualization of the cells during the analysis.
  • Flow Cytometry Analysis After staining, the cells are suspended in a stream of fluid and passed through an automated flow cytometry detector. This machine analyzes the cells as they flow through the detection area, measuring the fluorescence emitted by the stained DNA.
  • Data Generation The flow cytometry process generates a DNA histogram or cell cycle profile, which visually represents the distribution of DNA content among the cells. This data is essential for distinguishing between normal and abnormal cell populations.
  • Reporting Findings Finally, a written report is generated that details the findings of the analysis. This report includes information on the cell counts, the presence of any abnormal cells, and other relevant data that can aid in clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following flow cytometry, cell cycle or DNA analysis typically involves reviewing the written report generated from the test. Healthcare providers will interpret the findings to determine the next steps in patient management. Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment options may be considered. It is important for clinicians to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions. Additionally, the laboratory may retain the sample for a specified period in case further analysis is required.

Short Descr CELL MARKER STUDY
Medium Descr FLOW CYTOMETRY CELL CYCLE/DNA ANALYSIS
Long Descr Flow cytometry, cell cycle or DNA analysis
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator T-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1G - Lab tests - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 234 - Pathology
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.
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.
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.
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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