CPT® Code 86000

Agglutinins, febrile (eg, Brucella, Francisella, Murine typhus, Q fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, scrub typhus), each antigen

The CPT® Code 86000 refers to the laboratory test for agglutinins associated with febrile illnesses, specifically targeting various pathogens that can cause cryptic infections. This test involves analyzing a blood sample to detect the presence of agglutinating antibodies against specific febrile antigens. The term "agglutinin" refers to antibodies that cause particles, such as bacteria, to clump together, which is a key indicator of an immune response to an infection. The test is particularly useful in identifying infections caused by pathogens that may not be immediately recognizable, thus aiding in the diagnosis of febrile illnesses. The procedure is often performed when a patient presents with fever of unknown origin, and it may involve testing for multiple pathogens simultaneously. When multiple antigens are tested, the procedure is commonly referred to as a febrile agglutination profile. Among the pathogens typically included in this testing are Brucella, Francisella, Murine typhus, Q fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and scrub typhus. Additionally, the test can identify certain groups of Salmonella, particularly Salmonella group D 'O' (somatic) antigen and Salmonella groups A, B, and D 'H' (flagellar) antigens. It can also detect specific strains of Proteus vulgaris, including OX-2, OX-K, and OX-19 antigens. The testing methodology employed is direct agglutination (DA), and it is important to note that the code 86000 is reported for each antigen tested, reflecting the comprehensive nature of this diagnostic procedure.