CPT® Code 86171

The CPT® Code 86171 refers to complement fixation tests, which are immunological assays performed to measure the ability of antibodies in serum to fix complement in the presence of specific antigens. This process is crucial for identifying the presence of certain antibodies or antigens, which can indicate various infections or immune responses. The test is particularly significant in diagnosing infections caused by pathogens such as Neisseria Gonorrheae, as it can reveal the presence of total antibodies against this bacterium. Although complement fixation tests have been a traditional method for serological testing, they have largely been supplanted by more modern techniques such as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) due to their increased sensitivity and specificity. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is separately reportable, and then analyzing the serum using a semiquantitative approach to assess complement fixation. This test is reported for each antigen tested, making it essential for accurate coding and billing in laboratory services.