Summary & Overview
CPT 85370: Fibrin Degradation Products (FDP) Plasma Test
CPT code 85370 represents a laboratory assay measuring fibrin degradation products (FDP) in patient plasma. This assay is used to detect and quantify products of fibrin breakdown and plays a role in the evaluation of fibrinolytic activity, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), thrombotic disorders, and other conditions affecting coagulation. Nationally, accurate coding for 85370 is important for consistent clinical reporting, laboratory workflow, and payment processing across inpatient and outpatient settings.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines what providers and billing professionals need to know about claim submission for this laboratory service and summarizes typical sites of service and clinical context.
Readers will find benchmarks and contextual information on utilization patterns, common billing practices, and payer coverage considerations where available. The discussion also covers clinical indications for FDP testing and how 85370 fits into laboratory and diagnostic pathways. Data not available in the input will be noted explicitly where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 85370 describes a laboratory test in which a lab analyst measures fibrin degradation products (FDP) in patient plasma to determine the amount of fibrin breakdown products present in the blood. This test supports evaluation of fibrinolysis and can aid clinical assessment for conditions associated with abnormal clot breakdown.
Service Type: Laboratory / Pathology test
Typical Site of Service: Hospital laboratory, independent clinical laboratory, or outpatient laboratory draw site
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical scenario involves an emergency department or inpatient adult patient with signs of significant trauma, suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), unexplained bleeding, or thrombotic complications. A clinician orders measurement of fibrin degradation products (FDP) to evaluate ongoing fibrinolysis after major surgery, severe infection (sepsis), obstetric complication (e.g., placental abruption), or extensive tissue injury.
Workflow: A phlebotomist collects a plasma sample in a sodium citrate tube and sends it to the hospital clinical laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs the 85370 assay using validated methods to quantify FDP concentration. Results are reported in the electronic health record and used alongside platelet counts, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, and fibrinogen to guide diagnosis and management decisions such as transfusion, anticoagulation adjustments, or further hematology consultation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional component for interpretation when the laboratory separates technical and professional components. |