Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Oligoclonal bands are specific protein fragments produced by plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. The presence of these bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can indicate various neurological conditions. The test for oligoclonal bands requires the collection of two distinct specimens: CSF and blood. The CSF is obtained through a procedure known as a lumbar puncture, which involves inserting a needle into the lower back to access the spinal canal. Blood is collected through a standard venipuncture procedure, where a needle is inserted into a vein, typically in the arm. Once both specimens are collected, they are analyzed to determine the ratio of oligoclonal bands present in the CSF compared to those in the serum. An elevated ratio of bands in the CSF is significant and may suggest the presence of several neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, Devic's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, neurosarcoidosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, syphilis, primary central nervous system lymphoma, Sjogren's syndrome, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. The testing process utilizes qualitative isoelectric focusing and immunofixation techniques to accurately identify and quantify the oligoclonal bands in both specimen types.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The oligoclonal bands test is indicated for the evaluation of various neurological conditions. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for testing oligoclonal bands involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results. First, a lumbar puncture is performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This procedure requires the patient to be positioned appropriately, often lying on their side or sitting up, to facilitate access to the spinal canal. A sterile needle is then inserted into the lower back, and CSF is drawn into a collection tube. This step is crucial as it provides the fluid necessary for analysis. Concurrently, a blood sample is obtained through a venipuncture, where a needle is inserted into a vein, typically in the arm, to collect serum. Both specimens, CSF and serum, must be handled with care to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of the samples. Once collected, the samples are sent to a laboratory where they undergo qualitative isoelectric focusing and immunofixation techniques. These methods allow for the separation and identification of oligoclonal bands in both the CSF and serum, enabling the calculation of the ratio of bands between the two specimens.
After the lumbar puncture and blood collection, patients may experience some mild discomfort or headache, which is a common side effect of the procedure. It is important for patients to rest and stay hydrated following the test. Monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding at the puncture site, is also essential. The results of the oligoclonal bands test are typically available within a few days, and healthcare providers will discuss the findings with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions based on the results.
| Short Descr | OLIGOCLONAL BANDS | Medium Descr | OLIGOCLONAL IMMUNE | Long Descr | Oligoclonal immune (oligoclonal bands) | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| 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. | 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. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2002-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.