CPT® Code 86485

A candida skin test is a diagnostic procedure utilized primarily to assess the immune response of an individual, particularly in the context of delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. This test serves as an anergy control, which is crucial for interpreting the results of tuberculin skin testing, especially in patients whose cellular immunity may be compromised. In such cases, individuals may exhibit a false negative result during tuberculosis (TB) testing, complicating the diagnostic process. The candida skin test helps to differentiate between a true negative reaction to the TB test and a false negative due to an impaired immune response. Typically, when a person's immune system is functioning adequately, exposure to candida will elicit a positive skin test response. Therefore, a positive result in the candida skin test indicates that the immune system is likely intact, allowing healthcare providers to rule out an underlying compromised immune system as a contributing factor for a negative reaction to the PPD skin test. This distinction is vital for accurate diagnosis and subsequent management of potential TB infections.