CPT® Code 86430

The CPT® Code 86430 refers to a laboratory test that measures the qualitative levels of rheumatoid factor in a patient's blood. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that can be present in various autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. The test is designed to detect the presence of these antibodies, which can indicate an autoimmune response. The qualitative aspect of this test means that it determines whether rheumatoid factor is present or absent, rather than measuring the exact quantity of the antibodies. Elevated levels of rheumatoid factor can be associated with several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, Sjogren syndrome, and other chronic infections. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a semiquantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a common laboratory technique that allows for the detection of specific proteins, such as antibodies, in the serum.