CPT® Code 86735

The CPT® Code 86735 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies against the mumps virus in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test is crucial for diagnosing mumps, a highly contagious viral infection that presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, decreased appetite, and notably, swollen parotid glands. The mumps virus is primarily transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets found in saliva and mucus, but it can also spread through the sharing of food, drinks, and eating utensils with an infected individual. The test evaluates two types of antibodies: IgM and IgG. A positive IgM antibody titer indicates either a current or recent infection or immunization against the mumps virus; however, it is important to note that low levels of IgM antibodies may persist for over 12 months following infection or immunization. Conversely, a positive IgG antibody titer suggests that the individual has either been exposed to the mumps virus in the past or has been immunized against it. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is reported separately, while CSF is obtained via a lumbar puncture, also reported separately. The testing methods employed include a semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgM antibodies and a semi-quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay for IgG antibodies.