CPT® Code 86329

The CPT® Code 86329 refers to an immunodiffusion test that is not specified elsewhere in the coding system. This procedure involves a blood test designed to measure the levels of teichoic acid antibodies (TAA) in the patient's serum. Elevated levels of TAA can be indicative of a recent staphylococcal infection, which may manifest as conditions such as endocarditis or bacteremia, particularly when there are metastatic foci of abscesses that arise due to delayed treatment. The significance of a positive TAA test lies in its ability to confirm specific bacteriological diseases more rapidly than traditional culture methods. This is particularly advantageous in clinical scenarios where obtaining cultures is challenging, such as in cases of pneumonia affecting the lungs, osteomyelitis involving the bones, or deep tissue abscesses. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through a venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum collected is then subjected to semiquantitative immunodiffusion testing to determine the presence and levels of the antibodies.