CPT® Code 86682

The CPT® Code 86682 refers to a laboratory test that measures antibodies against helminths, which are parasitic worms. This specific code is utilized when testing for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in serum for various helminth infections that are not classified elsewhere. Helminths can include a wide range of parasitic worms, and the test is particularly relevant for detecting antibodies related to several specific conditions. Among these are cysticercosis, which is caused by the tapeworm Taenia solium and can lead to serious infections in the brain and other tissues; Toxocara, a roundworm primarily found in dogs and cats that can cause various symptoms in humans; Schistosoma, a parasite that is not endemic to the United States but poses risks in other regions; Strongyloides, which can lead to gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms; Filaria, a thread-like worm transmitted by mosquitoes that affects lymphatic tissues; and Echinococcus, a tapeworm that can cause cystic disease in vital organs. The test is crucial for diagnosing these infections, as it helps identify the presence of specific antibodies that indicate an immune response to these parasitic infections.