CPT® Code 86784

The CPT® Code 86784 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies against Trichinella, a parasitic worm that can infect humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat. Trichinella is known to be transmitted by various animals, including domestic pigs, wild boar, wild cats, foxes, dogs, horses, seals, and walruses. These animals can harbor the larvae of the parasite, which are present in the meat in the form of cysts. When ingested, these cysts hatch in the intestines, allowing the larvae to enter the bloodstream and migrate to muscle tissues. The infection can lead to a range of symptoms, such as headache, fever, chills, cough, swelling of the face and eyes, as well as muscle and joint pain. In more severe cases, the infection can impair muscle coordination and may result in complications affecting the heart and lungs. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected, typically through a venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum obtained from the blood is then analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the presence of Trichinella antibodies, providing crucial information for diagnosis and management of the infection.