CPT® Code 87350

Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique, (eg, enzyme immunoassay [EIA], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescence immunoassay [FIA], immunochemiluminometric assay [IMCA]) qualitative or semiquantitative; hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)

The CPT® Code 87350 refers to a laboratory test designed to detect the presence of the Hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) in serum or plasma samples. This test employs various immunoassay techniques, including enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), and immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA). The detection of HBeAg is crucial for monitoring active Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections and assessing the response to therapeutic interventions. The presence of HBeAg indicates that the virus is actively replicating, which is significant for evaluating the infectivity of the virus alongside the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic cases. The virus can be transmitted through blood and body fluids, and symptoms may include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain, although some individuals may remain asymptomatic. The test requires a serum or plasma sample, which is processed in a laboratory setting using the specified immunoassay techniques to ensure accurate detection of the antigen.