Summary & Overview
CPT 86344: Leukocyte Phagocytosis Test
CPT code 86344 represents a laboratory diagnostic assay that measures leukocyte phagocytosis, typically focusing on neutrophil function from a venous blood specimen. This functional immunology test is used in the evaluation of suspected phagocytic or neutrophil dysfunction, recurrent infections, or immune-compromised states. Nationally, such specialized laboratory procedures inform clinical decision-making for complex infectious and immunologic conditions and are relevant to hospital laboratories, reference labs, and outpatient diagnostic testing.
Key payers in the scope of national coverage and reimbursement discussions include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise briefing of clinical context, typical service setting, and the scope of the test. The publication also outlines benchmarking and reimbursement considerations where available, highlights common billing modifiers encountered with laboratory services, and summarizes implications for laboratory operations and clinical workflows.
The report is aimed at laboratory managers, billing and coding professionals, and health policy analysts who need a clear, actionable overview of the code’s clinical role, operational setting, and the payer landscape. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 86344 describes a leukocyte phagocytosis test, a laboratory procedure in which a lab analyst evaluates the ability of white blood cells—most commonly neutrophils—to ingest and destroy foreign particles or organisms. The test is performed on a blood specimen collected by routine venipuncture.
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic service
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital outpatient laboratory, with the specimen collected in a standard phlebotomy setting.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient presents to an outpatient phlebotomy laboratory after referral from an infectious disease specialist for evaluation of recurrent infections and suspected neutrophil dysfunction. A routine venipuncture is performed by phlebotomy staff to collect whole blood in appropriate anticoagulant tubes. The specimen is transported to the clinical laboratory where a medical laboratory technologist or clinical laboratory scientist performs a leukocyte phagocytosis test (86344) to assess neutrophil ingestion of opsonized particles. The lab documents specimen receipt time, test method, and results in the laboratory information system. Results are reported to the ordering clinician, who integrates findings with clinical history, complete blood count with differential, and any further immunology or microbiology testing to guide diagnosis and management.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional interpretation component of the test separated from technical services |
TC | Technical component |