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Official Description

Antibody; hepatitis, delta agent

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86692 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies related to the hepatitis delta agent (HDV). This test evaluates both total antibodies and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against the hepatitis delta virus. Hepatitis delta is classified as an RNA virus and is distinct from other hepatitis viruses such as Hepatitis A, B, and C. It is characterized as a sub-viral entity, meaning it cannot replicate independently and requires the presence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication process. The transmission of HDV can occur simultaneously with HBV infection, leading to co-infection, or it can occur later, resulting in a super-infection. The presence of HDV in individuals co-infected with HBV significantly increases the risk of severe liver complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). A positive result for total HDV antibodies may suggest either an acute or chronic infection with the virus. Furthermore, the measurement of IgM antibodies is crucial as it helps differentiate between active viral replication during an acute infection and the reactivation of a chronic infection. The test is performed on a blood sample, which is obtained through a venipuncture procedure that is reported separately. The serum is then analyzed for total antibodies using a qualitative enzyme immunoassay, while IgM antibodies are assessed using a specific enzyme immunoassay method.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 86692 is indicated for the following conditions and scenarios:

  • Hepatitis Delta Infection This test is performed to diagnose and monitor hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections, which can occur in conjunction with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.
  • Assessment of Co-Infection It is utilized to evaluate patients who may be co-infected with HBV and HDV, as this combination can lead to more severe liver disease.
  • Monitoring Chronic Infections The test helps in assessing patients with chronic HBV infections for potential HDV super-infection, which can complicate the clinical course.
  • Determining Active Infection Measuring IgM antibodies specifically aids in identifying active HDV replication, which is critical for managing acute infections or reactivation of chronic infections.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the test associated with CPT® Code 86692 involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the test, the patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or substances that could interfere with the test results. However, specific preparation guidelines should be followed as per the laboratory's protocols.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture A qualified healthcare professional performs a venipuncture to obtain a blood sample from the patient. This involves using a sterile needle to access a vein, typically in the arm, and collecting the blood into a designated collection tube.
  • Step 3: Serum Separation After blood collection, the sample is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is typically done by centrifugation, which allows the serum to be isolated for testing.
  • Step 4: Antibody Testing The serum is then subjected to testing for total HDV antibodies using a qualitative enzyme immunoassay. Additionally, IgM antibodies are specifically measured using a separate enzyme immunoassay, which provides information on the stage of infection.
  • Step 5: Result Interpretation Once the testing is complete, the results are analyzed and interpreted by a qualified laboratory professional. The findings are then reported to the requesting physician for further clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may experience minimal discomfort at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for this test, but patients should be advised to monitor the site for any unusual symptoms, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. The results of the test will be communicated to the healthcare provider, who will discuss the implications of the findings and any necessary follow-up actions based on the patient's clinical context.

Short Descr HEPATITIS DELTA AGENT ANTBDY
Medium Descr ANTIBODY HEP DELTA AGENT
Long Descr Antibody; hepatitis, delta agent
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 235 - Other Laboratory
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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Description
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