CPT® Code 86603

The CPT® Code 86603 refers to the laboratory test for antibodies to adenovirus. This test involves analyzing a blood sample to detect the presence of antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system in response to an infection. Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can lead to various illnesses, primarily affecting the respiratory system. Common symptoms associated with adenovirus infections include upper respiratory infections, which may manifest as the common cold, pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis. Additionally, adenoviruses can cause gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, cystitis, and skin rashes. In some cases, these viruses can lead to acute respiratory disease (ARD). The testing for adenovirus antibodies is typically conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology, a sensitive and specific technique for detecting antibodies in the blood. The test can measure two types of immunoglobulins: IgG and IgM. IgG testing is utilized to determine if there has been a past or current infection, while IgM testing is specifically aimed at identifying a current infection with a particular adenovirus strain. It is important to note that if both IgG and IgM tests are performed, each test should be reported separately to ensure accurate coding and billing.