CPT® Code 86602

The CPT® Code 86602 refers to the laboratory test for antibodies to actinomyces, a group of bacteria known to cause infections in humans. This test specifically detects the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against actinomyces organisms. There are several species of actinomyces, including A. israelii, A. gerencseriae, A. naeslundii, A. odontolyticus, A. viscosus, A. meyeri, and Propionibacterium propionicum, which can lead to subacute or chronic bacterial infections. These infections are characterized by dense granulomatous inflammation and can manifest as painful skin abscesses, lumpy jaw or neck, muscle spasms (lockjaw), fever, weight loss, chest pain, and excessive sinus drainage. The common sites of infection include the oral and cervicofacial regions, thoracic cavity, abdomen, and pelvic area in women. The IgG test is utilized to determine if there has been a past or current infection, while the IgM test is specifically aimed at identifying a current infection. It is important to note that if both IgG and IgM tests are conducted, each immunoglobulin class must be reported separately. Although this antibody test is available, it is not frequently performed, as actinomyces infections are more typically diagnosed through culture and gram stain methods.