Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The immune complex assay, identified by CPT® Code 86332, is a laboratory test designed to measure the presence of circulating immune cells in the bloodstream. These immune cells are formed through the interaction between antibodies and antigens, which are critical components of the body's immune response. In a healthy immune system, these circulating immune cells are typically cleared from the bloodstream quickly by the reticuloendothelial system, a network of cells and tissues that play a vital role in immune function. However, in cases where there is inflammation or tissue damage, the clearance process may be delayed, resulting in an accumulation of immune cells in circulation. This assay specifically detects immune complexes that bind to complement receptors on Raji cells, a type of human B-lymphocyte cell line used in laboratory testing. The quantitative analysis provided by the immune complex assay can be instrumental in staging various immunological disorders. Elevated levels of circulating immune cells detected through this assay have been linked to several autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, and glomerulonephritis. Additionally, these elevated levels may indicate the presence of infectious diseases such as Lyme disease and HIV, as well as certain malignancies. It is important to note that circulating immune cells can also be present without any underlying pathological condition. The test requires a blood sample, which is obtained through a separately reportable venipuncture procedure, and subsequently analyzed in the laboratory.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The immune complex assay (CPT® Code 86332) is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios where the assessment of circulating immune cells is necessary. The following conditions and situations may warrant the performance of this assay:
The procedure for conducting the immune complex assay involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement of circulating immune cells. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the immune complex assay is performed, there are several considerations for post-procedure care. Patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves on its own. It is advisable for patients to monitor the site for any signs of excessive bleeding or infection. The results of the assay will be communicated to the healthcare provider, who will discuss the implications of the findings with the patient. Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be recommended. Additionally, patients should be informed that elevated levels of circulating immune cells may require further investigation to determine the underlying cause, whether it be an autoimmune disorder, infectious disease, or malignancy.
| Short Descr | IMMUNE COMPLEX ASSAY | Medium Descr | IMMUNE COMPLEX ASSAY | Long Descr | Immune complex assay | 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. | 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.