CPT® Code 86648

The CPT® Code 86648 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence of antibodies against Diphtheria. Diphtheria is an acute and highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which is known to produce an exotoxin. This toxin can lead to the formation of fibrinous pseudomembranes in various tissues, including respiratory, myocardial, and neural tissues, potentially resulting in severe complications. The antibody test for Diphtheria primarily measures the IgG subclass I, which is crucial for evaluating an individual's immune response. This test can serve multiple purposes: it may be utilized to determine a person's protective antibody levels before and after vaccination, assess immunity status during an outbreak in the community, or evaluate for possible antibody deficiencies in patients who experience recurrent infections. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using an enzyme immunoassay, a method that allows for the accurate measurement of the Diphtheria antibodies present in the serum.