CPT® Code 86294

A qualitative or semi-quantitative immunoassay for tumor antigen, such as bladder tumor antigen, is performed to detect the presence of specific tumor markers in the body. Tumor antigens are substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer, and their presence can indicate the potential existence of a malignant neoplasm. In this context, the bladder tumor antigen (BTA) is specifically assessed using a latex agglutination assay, which is a laboratory technique that involves the clumping of particles in the presence of the antigen. This test is primarily conducted on urine samples to identify whether BTA is present. However, it is important to note that a positive result for BTA does not confirm the presence of a bladder tumor, as other medical conditions—such as renal stones, nephritis, renal cancer, urinary tract infections, cystitis, or recent trauma to the bladder or kidneys—can also lead to elevated levels of this antigen. Therefore, a positive BTA test necessitates further diagnostic evaluations to accurately determine the presence of a bladder tumor.