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Official Description

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)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

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.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The HBeAg test is performed for several specific indications related to Hepatitis B infection. These include:

  • Monitoring Active HBV Infection The test is utilized to monitor individuals with an active Hepatitis B viral infection, providing critical information about the viral replication status.
  • Assessing Response to Therapy The presence or absence of HBeAg helps in evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral therapy in patients undergoing treatment for Hepatitis B.
  • Determining Viral Infectivity The detection of HBeAg, in conjunction with HBsAg, is essential for assessing the infectivity of the virus, which is important for managing transmission risks.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the HBeAg test involves several key steps:

  • Sample Collection A serum or plasma sample is obtained from the patient. This sample is either placed in a fixative or sent fresh to the laboratory for processing, ensuring that the integrity of the sample is maintained for accurate testing.
  • Immunoassay Technique Selection The laboratory selects an appropriate immunoassay technique for the detection of HBeAg. This may include enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), or immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA), depending on the laboratory's capabilities and protocols.
  • Antigen Detection The chosen immunoassay technique is employed to detect the HBeAg in the sample. For EIA and ELISA, a secondary enzyme-labeled antibody is added to the sample, which binds to the antigen if present. A chromogenic reaction occurs, resulting in a visible color change or fluorescence that indicates the presence of the antigen.
  • Quantification and Interpretation The results are assessed qualitatively or semi-quantitatively based on colorimetric readings or fluorescence intensity. This allows for the determination of the presence and concentration of HBeAg in the sample.

3. Post-Procedure

After the HBeAg test is completed, the results are analyzed and reported to the healthcare provider. The interpretation of the results is crucial for determining the patient's viral replication status and guiding further management. If HBeAg is detected, it indicates active viral replication, which may necessitate closer monitoring and potential therapeutic intervention. Conversely, if HBeAg is not detected, it may suggest a lower risk of viral transmission and a different clinical management approach. Patients may be advised on follow-up testing and monitoring based on the results, and any necessary adjustments to treatment plans will be discussed with their healthcare provider.

Short Descr HEPATITIS BE AG IA
Medium Descr IAAD IA HEPATITIS BE ANTIGEN
Long Descr 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)
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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology)
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.
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
Action
Notes
2022-01-01 Changed First appearance of change in codebook.
2022-01-01 Note Grammatical correction.
2021-01-01 Changed First appearance of change in CPT® Code Set.
2020-10-06 Changed Code changed.
2016-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2007-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1998-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1998.
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