CPT® Code 86750

The CPT® Code 86750 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies against Plasmodium, the parasite responsible for malaria. Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, and it is caused by four distinct species of Plasmodium: P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum. Each species has unique characteristics and implications for human health. For instance, P. vivax and P. ovale are known to cause relapsing forms of malaria, where symptoms can persist cyclically over extended periods, sometimes lasting months or even years, due to the parasite's ability to remain dormant in the liver. In contrast, P. malariae and P. falciparum typically lead to acute illnesses that do not relapse. Notably, P. falciparum is particularly dangerous, as it can result in severe, life-threatening complications if it invades critical organs such as the brain, kidneys, or lungs, potentially leading to organ failure. Common symptoms associated with malaria include fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, and general malaise. In more severe cases, patients may experience additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, jaundice, enlarged liver and/or spleen, seizures, and even coma. It is important to note that while a positive antibody titer indicates past exposure to any of the four Plasmodium species, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool for acute malaria infections. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is reported separately, and the serum is analyzed using a semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.