Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
CPT 86255: Fluorescent Immunoassay Antibody Screening
CPT code 86255 represents a laboratory immunoassay screening test that uses a fluorescent method to detect antibodies to noninfectious agents in blood, typically serum. As a qualitative screen, results report presence or absence rather than numeric titers. This code matters nationally because immunoassay screening is widely used in clinical diagnostics, blood donor screening, and pre-procedural evaluations; accurate coding affects clinical workflows, laboratory billing, and payer coverage determinations across public and private plans.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the test, typical sites of service and specimen types, and what to expect in terms of coding classification. The publication outlines common modifiers and identifies missing input fields where relevant (for example, specific associated taxonomies and ICD-10 diagnoses are not provided). This resource also orients readers to how CPT code 86255 fits among laboratory immunoassay services and what elements are typically considered by payers and providers when processing claims.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 86255 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 86255 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 86255 describes a qualitative immunoassay screening test that detects antibodies to a noninfectious agent using a fluorescent method. The result is reported in a qualitative form (for example, positive or negative) rather than as a numeric concentration.
Service type: Immunoassay screening — fluorescent antibody detection
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory; specimens are usually blood (serum) collected in an outpatient or inpatient setting.