CPT® Code 86771

The CPT® Code 86771 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies against the Shigella bacterium. Shigella is a pathogenic organism that invades the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and a condition known as acute dysentery. This infection is characterized by a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. The transmission of Shigella occurs primarily through the fecal-oral route, which means that the bacteria can spread through contaminated water or food sources. To diagnose an infection caused by Shigella, healthcare providers can utilize blood and fecal samples to test for the presence of antibodies. Two common laboratory techniques employed for this purpose are the Western Blot and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These methods help in identifying the immune response to the Shigella infection, thereby assisting in the diagnosis and management of the disease.