CPT® Code 83698

The CPT® Code 83698 refers to a laboratory test that measures lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an enzyme that serves as an inflammatory risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Lp-PLA2 is found circulating in the bloodstream and is known to attach to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles. When these LDL particles adhere to the walls of arteries, they undergo oxidation, leading to the formation of oxidized LDL. This oxidized form is particularly vulnerable to enzymatic degradation, which in turn promotes the release of inflammatory molecules. These molecules play a significant role in the atherosclerotic process, contributing to the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaque, within the arterial walls. Furthermore, Lp-PLA2 has the ability to attract and bind monocytes, a type of large white blood cell that can differentiate into macrophages, further exacerbating plaque build-up. Research indicates that inflammation is a critical factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, and Lp-PLA2 is increasingly recognized as a valuable risk marker due to its association with the atherosclerotic process. Elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 have been correlated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events, independent of other traditional risk factors. The measurement of Lp-PLA2 is performed through a straightforward blood test utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, commonly referred to as the PLAC test. The results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), with average values typically being 174 ng/mL for females and 251 ng/mL for males.