Summary & Overview
CPT 82286: Bradykinin Level Assay
CPT code 82286 represents a laboratory assay for measuring bradykinin, a biologically active peptide involved in vascular permeability, smooth muscle effects, and several allergy-like or swelling disorders. Although primarily a research-use test, bradykinin measurement has growing clinical interest because of its role in conditions such as hereditary and acquired angioedema and in mechanistic research related to inflammatory and allergic responses. Nationally, the code identifies encounters where specialized peptide assays are performed in clinical or research laboratories.
Key national payers included in the scope are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for the assay, typical sites of service, and the relevance of the test to research and specialty diagnostic workflows. The publication summarizes available benchmarks and payer coverage considerations where available, outlines common billing characteristics, and situates the code within laboratory service lines. It also highlights where input data are not available and directs readers to clinical and policy resources for further detail. This summary is for national audiences and emphasizes clinical and billing context rather than state-level policy.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82286 describes a laboratory procedure to measure bradykinin levels in blood, plasma, or other biologic fluids. The assay quantifies this biologically active peptide, which is implicated in allergic-type reactions, angioedema, and other swelling disorders, and is primarily used in research contexts rather than routine clinical care.
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Service type: Laboratory biochemical assay, research-use testing
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or research laboratory setting
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old patient with recurrent episodes of unexplained facial and peripheral angioedema is referred to an allergy/immunology clinic. The clinician orders a specialized laboratory assay to measure circulating bradykinin levels to support research-driven evaluation of bradykinin-mediated angioedema or to correlate peptide levels with clinical swelling episodes. Blood is collected in chilled tubes with appropriate protease inhibitors, immediately placed on ice, and sent to a reference laboratory with expertise in peptide assays. The lab analyst performs 82286 to quantify bradykinin in plasma. Results are interpreted in the context of clinical history, concomitant medications (for example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors), complement studies, and genetic testing when indicated. Typical sites of service include outpatient specialty clinics, hospital outpatient laboratories, and research laboratory facilities supporting clinical trials.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
90 | Reference (outside) laboratory | Use when the test is performed by an independent reference lab rather than the billing provider's lab |
26 |