Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 86774 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence of antibodies against the tetanus toxin. Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which typically enters the body through a puncture wound or any break in the skin. Once inside the body, C. tetani produces a potent toxin known as tetanospasmin, which leads to severe muscle spasms and rigidity, particularly affecting the jaw and neck muscles, a condition commonly referred to as lockjaw. The antibody test for tetanus toxoid IgG is crucial for assessing an individual's immune response to the tetanus vaccine, as well as for evaluating potential immune deficiency syndromes that may impair the body's ability to produce adequate antibody levels. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a procedure that can be reported separately. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a sensitive and specific method for detecting the presence of antibodies in the serum.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The test for tetanus antibodies is indicated in the following scenarios:
The procedure for testing tetanus antibodies involves several key steps:
After the venipuncture procedure, patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the site of the blood draw, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for this test, but patients are generally advised to keep the site clean and dry. Results from the tetanus antibody test can take several days to process, and patients should follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the findings and any necessary actions based on the results.
| Short Descr | TETANUS ANTIBODY | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY TETANUS | Long Descr | Antibody; tetanus | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.