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Official Description

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibody; native or double stranded

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86225 refers to a laboratory test that measures the presence of native or double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibodies, specifically the IgG type. This test is significant in the context of autoimmune disorders, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition characterized by the immune system attacking its own tissues. The detection of DNA antibodies is often utilized as a secondary screening tool for SLE, especially when initial tests for anti-nuclear antibodies yield positive results. Furthermore, this test can be instrumental in monitoring the disease activity in patients who have already been diagnosed with SLE. It is important to note that there are two types of tests for DNA antibodies: the high avidity test and the low affinity test. The high avidity test is particularly specific for SLE cases that involve renal complications, known as lupus nephritis, although it is less sensitive in detecting DNA antibodies compared to the low affinity test. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a common laboratory technique used to detect and quantify proteins, antibodies, and hormones in a sample.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 86225 is indicated for the following conditions and scenarios:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) The test is primarily used to assess the presence of DNA antibodies in patients suspected of having SLE, particularly when initial anti-nuclear antibody tests are positive.
  • Monitoring Disease Activity This test may be utilized to monitor the disease activity in patients who have already been diagnosed with SLE, helping to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and the progression of the disease.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 86225 involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement of DNA antibodies:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the test, the patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or supplements that could interfere with the results. It is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately informed about the procedure and its purpose.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture A blood sample is obtained through venipuncture, which is the process of puncturing a vein to draw blood. This step is crucial as it provides the serum needed for the subsequent analysis. The venipuncture should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional to minimize discomfort and ensure proper technique.
  • Step 3: Serum Separation After blood collection, the sample is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is typically done by centrifugation, which spins the sample at high speeds to separate the liquid serum from the blood cells.
  • Step 4: Testing The serum is then subjected to a qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This laboratory technique involves adding specific reagents that will react with the DNA antibodies present in the serum, allowing for their detection and quantification.
  • Step 5: Result Interpretation Once the testing is complete, the results are analyzed and interpreted by a qualified laboratory professional. The presence of DNA antibodies, particularly in conjunction with other clinical findings, can provide valuable information regarding the patient's condition.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for this test, but patients should be advised to report any unusual symptoms or prolonged discomfort. The results of the DNA antibody test will be communicated to the healthcare provider, who will discuss the implications of the findings and any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the results.

Short Descr DNA ANTIBODY NATIVE
Medium Descr DNA ANTIBODY NATIVE/DOUBLE STRANDED
Long Descr Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibody; native or double stranded
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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 235 - Other Laboratory
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.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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