2025 CPT code 86705
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Immunology Procedures Feed
Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb); IgM antibody
Modifiers may be applicable. For example, modifier 91 is used for repeat tests, and modifier 90 indicates the test was performed by an outside laboratory.
Medical necessity is established when the test is ordered to diagnose or rule out a recent hepatitis B infection in a patient with signs, symptoms, or risk factors consistent with the disease.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps to test the patient’s serum for the IgM hepatitis B core antibody.This involves an immunoassay method, which may include reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, adding a detection agent, and interpreting the results.
In simple words: This test checks for a specific antibody (IgM) to the hepatitis B virus core antigen in a blood sample to determine if there is a recent or current infection.
The lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate the patient’s specimen, typically serum, for the presence of the immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to hepatitis B core antigen.
Example 1: A patient presents with fatigue, mild fever, nausea, and dark urine. The physician orders this test to check for a recent hepatitis B infection., A healthcare worker experiences a needlestick injury from a patient with unknown hepatitis B status. This test is performed to assess for potential infection., An individual admits to intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. As part of a screening panel, this test helps determine their hepatitis B status.
Documentation should include the reason for the test, the date and time of specimen collection, and the specimen source. Any relevant patient history, such as risk factors for hepatitis B, should also be documented.
** This test is specifically for the IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, indicating a recent infection. Other hepatitis B tests exist for different antigens and antibodies.Check for correct code usage based on the specific test performed.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Specialties:Pathology, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital