CPT® Code 86615

The CPT® Code 86615 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies against Bordetella, the bacterium responsible for whooping cough, also known as pertussis. This test is crucial for diagnosing infections caused by Bordetella pertussis, as it helps determine the presence of specific antibodies in the patient's blood. The common language description indicates that the test can be utilized to monitor the immune response to a pertussis infection. In individuals who have been vaccinated, IgG antibodies may be detected, while newborns and infants may show these antibodies due to placental transfer from their mothers. Elevated antibody levels can indicate a recent active infection, and the presence of rising IgA and IgM antibodies is typically associated with an active infection, making them more diagnostic for whooping cough. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qualitative immunoblot techniques to accurately assess the antibody levels present in the sample.