CPT® Code 86003

The CPT® Code 86003 refers to a laboratory test that measures allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the blood, utilizing either quantitative or semiquantitative methods. This test is commonly known as the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and is classified as an in vitro allergy test, distinguishing it from skin tests, which are considered in vivo tests. The primary purpose of this test is to identify various IgE antibodies that are linked to allergic reactions and symptoms. These reactions can be triggered by a wide range of allergens, including food items, animal dander, dust mites, molds, grasses, trees, weeds, and insect stings or bites. The quantitative or semiquantitative nature of the test means that it provides results in IgE units, which can be interpreted using a standardized scoring system to assess the severity of the allergy. Advances in allergy testing technology have enhanced the ability to detect allergen proteins, even those present in minimal quantities, thereby improving the identification of specific allergies. Typically, multiple allergens are tested simultaneously in an allergy panel or profile, which may include a variety of respiratory, food, or environmental allergens that are relevant to a specific geographic area or demographic group, such as adults or children. These panels can encompass a dozen or more common allergens and may be categorized into specific profiles, such as upper respiratory allergy profiles, adult food allergy profiles, child food allergy profiles, or child environmental allergy profiles. For each crude allergen extract tested using a quantitative or semiquantitative technique, the CPT® Code 86003 is reported. It is important to note that this code is distinct from CPT® Code 86005, which is used for qualitative multiallergen screening tests that only determine the presence or absence of specific IgE without providing quantitative measurements or allergy scores.