CPT® Code 86280

The Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI) test, designated by CPT® Code 86280, is a laboratory procedure utilized for the identification of specific viruses or bacteria. This test is characterized by its simplicity, rapid execution, and high accuracy in detecting the presence of antigens or quantifying antibodies. The underlying principle of the HAI test involves the interaction between surface proteins of certain viruses and bacteria with red blood cells, leading to a phenomenon known as agglutination, where these pathogens clump together with the red blood cells to form a lattice-like structure. In the HAI test, a known quantity of antibodies is mixed with the antigen of interest and a fixed amount of red blood cells that are coated with the corresponding antigen. If the sample being tested contains the specific antigen, it will compete with the antigen coated on the red blood cells for binding to the introduced antibodies. This competition inhibits the agglutination process, allowing for the identification or quantification of the antigen or antibody present in the sample. The HAI test is a valuable tool in clinical diagnostics, providing essential information for the detection of infectious agents.