2025 CPT code 86008
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Immunology Procedures Feed
Allergen-specific IgE antibody testing using recombinant or purified allergen components. This quantitative or semiquantitative test is reported per allergen component.
Modifiers may be applicable to 86008.Modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service. Modifier 91 is used for repeat testing on the same day. Refer to current modifier guidelines for appropriate use.
Medical necessity for 86008 is supported by documentation demonstrating the clinical need for identifying specific IgE antibodies to individual recombinant or purified allergen components, such as differentiating between components of a complex allergen source (e.g., peanut, milk, or tree pollen) or identifying the causative agent of a drug allergy.
The laboratory analyst performs all technical aspects of the assay, including preparing the specimen, conducting the immunoassay (often ELISA), interpreting the results, and reporting the quantitative or semiquantitative measurements of allergen-specific IgE for each purified/recombinant allergen component.
In simple words: This blood test helps identify specific allergies by measuring the amount of allergy-related antibodies (IgE) in your blood that react to purified or manufactured forms of allergens (like specific proteins from peanuts, rather than whole peanut extract). The test result provides a numerical value (quantitative) or an estimated range (semiquantitative) of IgE for each allergen tested. This helps determine the severity of your allergy to each specific substance.
The laboratory analyst performs a technical analysis of a patient's serum to detect the presence of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies using purified or recombinant allergen components.This test utilizes individual allergen components, rather than crude allergen extracts, to identify specific IgE antibodies. The result of this test is quantitative or semiquantitative, measuring or estimating the amount of IgE present for each allergen component.This code is reported for each individual allergen component tested.
Example 1: A patient presents with suspected peanut allergy. To pinpoint the specific peanut proteins causing the reaction, 86008 is used for each recombinant peanut component tested (e.g., Ara h 1, Ara h 2)., A patient with multiple environmental allergies undergoes testing to quantify IgE levels for specific purified allergens, such as dust mite components (Der p 1, Der p 2) and grass pollen components (e.g., Phl p 1, Phl p 5). Code 86008 is reported for each component tested., A patient with a history of drug reactions needs to determine the specific drug allergen triggering their symptoms. 86008 is reported for each purified drug component tested.
Documentation should include the specific purified or recombinant allergen components tested, the quantitative or semiquantitative results for each component, the method of analysis (e.g., ELISA), the patient's clinical history related to allergies, and the reason for testing.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Specialties:Allergy and Immunology, Clinical Laboratory
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Office