Test Overview of SpectraCell FIA Micronutrient Blood Panel

The SpectraCell FIA test is an interesting test for evaluating functional status of many different nutrients. It is based in the principle that if blood cells (white blood cells in particular) are isolated and placed in various growth media that have all necessary nutrients except for one nutrient at a time, poor growth of the cells in that media suggests low functional body stores of that missing nutrient; on the other hand, if the cells continue to grow normally in the nutrient-deficient media, then it is concluded that the intracellular stores of that nutrient are not deficient.

This test is covered by Medicare (with certain restrictions) as well as most private insurance plans (but not by Obamacare, Medicaid, or AHCCCS).


Test Indications of SpectraCell FIA Micronutrient Blood Panel

This test is most useful in cases where it is suspected that nutrients are either not being absorbed or are not being utilized, especially due to genetic variation. It is also very cost-effective when multiple analyates (vitamins/minerals/etc) are of interest.

This test is usefully combined with other functional tests of metabolism, such as:


ICD-10 CODES for SpectraCell FIA Micronutrient Blood Panel

Certain tests require appropriate diagnoses when submitted to Medicare for payment:

TestICD-10Diagnosis
Carnitine D63.1Anemia in chronic kidney disease
E71.40Disorder of carnitine metabolism, unspecified
E71.41Primary carnitine deficiency
E71.43Iatrogenic carnitine deficiency
E71.448Other secondary carnitine deficiency
Folate D52.8Other folate deficiency anemias
D53.9Nutritional anemia, unspecified (Macrocytic anemia)
K90.9Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified
R27.9Unspecified lack of coordination
R68.89Other general symptoms and signs (abnormal lab, multiple somatic complaints, throat clearing = hawking)
Vitamin B6 E53.1Pyridoxine deficiency (dermatitis, glossitis, cheilosis, stomatitis, anemia, irritability, weakness, depression, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures. Deficiency can be caused by malabsorption, certain drugs, such as isoniazid, alcoholism)
G25.70Drug induced movement disorder, unspecified
G25.89Other specified extrapyramidal and movement disorders
G25.9Extrapyramidal and movement disorder, unspecified
G60.9Hereditary and idiopathic neuropathy, unspecified
Vitamin B12 D51.3Other dietary vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (vegans)
D51.8Other vitamin B12 deficiency anemias
E41Nutritional marasmus
E43Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition
E53.8Deficiency of other specified B group vitamins (Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Folate, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B12 except folate/B12 anemia)
Vitamin D3 E21.3Hyperparathyroidism, unspecified (increased level of calcium in the blood; Symptoms include bone pain and kidney problems)
E55.9Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified
E83.51Hypocalcemia
M81.8Other osteoporosis without current pathological fracture
M83.9Adult osteomalacia, unspecified

References regarding SpectraCell FIA Micronutrient Blood Panel

Unless specifically noted above, references used in the construction of this web page include the following:

[FMU] Lecture notes from Functional Medicine University.

[SCNM] Lecture notes from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

[UT] Lecture notes from the University of Tennessee graduate programs in Chemistry, Microbiology, and Biochemistry.