CPT® Code 86360

The CPT® Code 86360 refers to a laboratory test that measures the absolute counts of two specific types of T-cells: CD4 and CD8, along with the ratio between these two cell types. T-cells are a crucial component of the immune system, specifically classified as lymphocytes, which play a significant role in cell-mediated immunity. The CD4 T-cells, often referred to as helper T-cells, assist in orchestrating the immune response, while CD8 T-cells, known as suppressor or cytotoxic T-cells, are primarily involved in directly killing infected or cancerous cells. This test is particularly important in the context of HIV, as the virus specifically targets and destroys CD4 cells, making the measurement of their count essential for monitoring the progression of HIV infection and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. In addition to its primary use in HIV management, the absolute CD4 and CD8 count test is also valuable in diagnosing and monitoring other medical conditions, including lymphoma, assessing post-transplant immune status, and evaluating patients with DiGeorge Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects T-cell development. The test is performed on a blood sample, which is typically obtained through venipuncture, and utilizes quantitative flow cytometry to provide accurate measurements of the T-cell populations.