CPT® Code 86711

The CPT® Code 86711 refers to the laboratory test for the detection of antibodies to the John Cunningham virus (JCV). This blood test is crucial for identifying the presence of antibodies that indicate a previous infection with JCV, a virus that typically infects individuals during childhood. After the initial infection, JCV remains dormant in the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract without causing any health issues in individuals with a healthy immune system. However, the virus can become reactivated when the immune system is compromised due to various conditions such as HIV, certain types of cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus, or as a result of immunosuppressive medications used to prevent organ rejection or to treat diseases like multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. The reactivation of JCV poses a significant risk, as it can lead to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious neurological condition characterized by the destruction of myelin in brain and nerve cells. The test involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, a widely used laboratory technique for detecting and quantifying proteins, including antibodies.