2025 CPT code 86689
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Immunology Procedures Feed
Confirmatory antibody test for HTLV or HIV (e.g., Western Blot).
Modifiers may apply.Modifier 92 may be used for alternative laboratory platform testing.
Medical necessity is established by the need to confirm a positive initial screening test for HIV or HTLV antibodies.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps to test the patient’s serum for antibodies to HTLV or HIV using a confirmatory immunoassay method such as Western blot.
In simple words: This test confirms the presence of antibodies against HTLV or HIV in your blood sample. It is typically used after an initial positive test result to ensure accuracy.The test helps identify antibodies that fight against these viruses.
This code represents a confirmatory antibody test, such as the Western blot, used to verify the presence of antibodies against HTLV or HIV in a patient's serum. The procedure involves separating reagent target antigens using electrophoresis, transferring them to a blot, applying patient serum to the blot, and using a dye to reveal the presence of specific antibodies.
Example 1: A patient has a positive ELISA test for HIV. A Western blot (86689) is performed to confirm the diagnosis., A patient has a positive ELISA test for HTLV-I. A Western blot (86689) is performed to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish between HTLV-I and HTLV-II., A blood donor screens positive for HTLV antibodies.Code 86689 is used for the confirmatory Western blot testing.
Documentation should include the reason for testing (e.g., positive initial screening test), the type of confirmatory test performed (e.g., Western Blot), and the results.
- Specialties:Infectious DiseaseImmunologyLaboratory Medicine
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital