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Particle agglutination tests are laboratory procedures used to assess the presence of specific antibodies in a patient's blood, which can indicate infection status. These tests are particularly useful for identifying infections caused by various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. For instance, they can help diagnose measles virus infection, streptococcal infections, or syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum. The CPT® Code 86403 is specifically designated for reporting each individual antibody that is screened during this testing process. When a screening result is positive, indicating the presence of antibodies, the subsequent titer levels for each antibody are reported using CPT® Code 86406. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using various methodologies, including semiquantitative hemagglutination, fluorescent enzyme assays, and light flow cytometry, to determine the presence and levels of antibodies.
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Particle agglutination tests are indicated for the evaluation of infection status and the identification of specific viral and bacterial infections. The following conditions may warrant the use of this testing:
The procedure for conducting a particle agglutination test involves several key steps, each critical for accurate results. First, a blood sample is obtained from the patient through a process known as venipuncture. This step is essential as it provides the serum or plasma needed for testing. The venipuncture must be performed in a sterile manner to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of the sample. Once the blood is collected, it is processed to separate the serum or plasma, which contains the antibodies of interest. The testing itself is then conducted using various methodologies. For instance, semiquantitative hemagglutination may be employed, where the presence of antibodies is indicated by the agglutination of particles. Alternatively, a fluorescent enzyme assay may be used, which involves tagging antibodies with fluorescent markers to detect their presence. Light flow cytometry is another method that can be utilized, allowing for the analysis of the sample based on the light scattering properties of the particles. Each of these methods aims to identify and quantify the specific antibodies present in the sample, leading to a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's infection status.
After the particle agglutination test is completed, the results are analyzed and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional. If the screening yields a positive result, further testing may be warranted to determine the titer levels of the antibodies, which is reported using CPT® Code 86406. This follow-up testing is crucial for understanding the extent of the infection or the immune response. Patients may be advised on the next steps based on the results, which could include additional diagnostic tests, treatment options, or monitoring for any symptoms related to the identified infections. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results clearly to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up care or interventions.
| Short Descr | PARTICLE AGGLUT ANTBDY SCRN | Medium Descr | PARTICLE AGGLUTINATION SCREEN EACH ANTIBODY | Long Descr | Particle agglutination; screen, each antibody | 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 | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | QW | Clia waived test |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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