CPT® Code 86703

The CPT® Code 86703 refers to the laboratory test for the detection of antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in a single result. HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition characterized by a severely weakened immune system. The virus is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but it can also be spread through unscreened blood transfusions, sharing of needles, from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, and through breastfeeding. The immune system is compromised as HIV targets and destroys CD4 T cells, which are crucial for the body's ability to combat infections. The test associated with CPT® Code 86703 is a qualitative assessment, meaning it determines the presence or absence of antibodies specific to HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 in a blood sample. This test is essential for diagnosing HIV infections, allowing for timely intervention and management. It is important to note that this code is specifically used when both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies are tested simultaneously, providing a comprehensive result in a single testing process. For more specific testing, separate codes are available: CPT® Code 86701 is used for HIV-1 antibody screening via a qualitative chemiluminescent immunoassay, while CPT® Code 86702 is designated for HIV-2 antibody screening using a qualitative enzyme immunoassay.