Raised antibody titer
ICD-10 R76.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of raised antibody titer.
Raised antibody titer refers to an elevated level of antibodies in the blood, which may indicate an immune response to an infection, vaccination, or autoimmune condition. This finding is often identified through serological testing, where specific antibodies are measured to determine the presence of an immune response. Elevated titers can be associated with various conditions, including viral infections (such as hepatitis or HIV), bacterial infections (like syphilis), and autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis). The clinical significance of a raised antibody titer depends on the context of the patient's symptoms, history, and other laboratory findings. It is essential for healthcare providers to interpret these results in conjunction with clinical findings to arrive at a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In some cases, a raised titer may not indicate an active disease but rather a past infection or vaccination response, necessitating careful evaluation of the patient's overall clinical picture.
Documentation should include the reason for testing, clinical symptoms, and any relevant history of infections or vaccinations.
Patients presenting with unexplained fatigue, fever, or joint pain may undergo antibody testing to rule out infections or autoimmune disorders.
Ensure that the clinical context is well-documented to support the raised titer finding.
Acute care documentation should include the patient's presenting symptoms, any immediate interventions, and the rationale for antibody testing.
Patients with acute febrile illness may be tested for raised antibody titers to identify infectious causes.
In emergency settings, rapid interpretation of results is crucial, and documentation should reflect the urgency of the clinical situation.
Used when testing for raised antibody titers in suspected HIV cases.
Document patient history, risk factors, and reason for testing.
In infectious disease specialties, ensure comprehensive documentation of risk factors.
A raised antibody titer indicates that the immune system has responded to an antigen, which could be due to an active infection, a past infection, or a vaccination.
Documentation should include the reason for testing, the specific antibodies tested, and any relevant clinical symptoms or history.
