CPT® Code 86039

The CPT® Code 86039 refers to the laboratory test for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) titer, which is a specific blood test used to assess the presence and concentration of antinuclear antibodies in a patient's blood sample. Antinuclear antibodies are a type of auto-antibody that target the body's own cellular structures, particularly those within the nucleus of cells. The presence of these antibodies can be indicative of various autoimmune disorders that lead to inflammation of body tissues. Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, scleroderma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, juvenile diabetes mellitus, Addison disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, glomerulonephritis, and pulmonary fibrosis may be associated with elevated levels of antinuclear antibodies. The testing process typically begins with a screening test, designated by CPT® Code 86038, which employs an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies. If the screening yields a positive result, indicating that antinuclear antibodies are present, the ANA titer (CPT® Code 86039) is then performed. This titer test involves diluting the blood sample with increasing concentrations of saline solution and retesting until the antibodies are no longer detectable. The results of the ANA titer are expressed in a ratio format, such as 1:10, 1:20, 1:40, or 1:80, where the first number represents one part of blood and the second number indicates the corresponding parts of saline solution. A higher second number signifies a greater concentration of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, providing valuable information for diagnosing and managing autoimmune conditions.