CPT® Code 87389

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; HIV-1 antigen(s), with HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, single result

The CPT® Code 87389 refers to the detection of infectious agent antigens specifically for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using various immunoassay techniques. This code encompasses qualitative or semiquantitative testing methods such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), and immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA). The procedure involves analyzing a blood or saliva sample to identify the presence of HIV-1 antigens along with antibodies for both HIV-1 and HIV-2, providing a single result. HIV is a virus that primarily attacks the immune system by targeting T cells, also known as CD4 cells, which are crucial for the body’s defense against infections. The transmission of HIV can occur through various means, including sexual contact, sharing of needles, unscreened blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The testing process involves collecting a sample, which is then processed in a laboratory setting. The immunoassay techniques utilized in this procedure are designed to detect even minute quantities of the HIV antigen when it binds to its specific antibody. The detection methods rely on colorimetric or fluorescent reactions to indicate the presence of the antigen-antibody complex, thus allowing for the assessment of HIV infection status. This code is specifically used when both HIV-1 antigens and HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies are being tested simultaneously, distinguishing it from other codes that may be used for testing HIV-1 or HIV-2 alone.