CPT® Code 86481

Tuberculosis test, cell mediated immunity antigen response measurement; enumeration of gamma interferon-producing T-cells in cell suspension

The CPT® Code 86481 refers to a specific tuberculosis test that measures the cell-mediated immunity (CMI) antigen response by enumerating gamma interferon-producing T-cells in a cell suspension. This test is particularly relevant for individuals who are suspected of having or are at high risk for infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). The procedure involves the use of two specific proteins, known as early-secreted antigenic target 6-kDa protein (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein (CFP-10), which are integral to the CMI antigen response tests for TB. When a blood sample is collected from the patient, it is subjected to stimulation with these TB-specific proteins. The presence of lymphocytes in the blood that respond to these proteins indicates a potential TB infection. A positive test result is determined by the secretion of cytokine interferon gamma, a protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response. The quantification of both the presence and the amount of interferon gamma in the blood sample is essential for diagnosing TB. It is important to note that CPT® Code 86480 is used when testing blood for gamma interferon CMI antigen response, while CPT® Code 86481 is specifically designated for cases where gamma interferon-producing T-cells in a cell suspension are quantified.