New CPT code for use with T-SPOT.TB test

Oxford Immunotec, Inc. announces that a new and specific Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code has been established by the American Medical Association for use with the T-SPOT^®.TB test. The new Category I code, 86481, is described as "Tuberculosis test, cell mediated immunity antigen response measurement; enumeration of gamma interferon-producing T-cells in cell suspension." This new code will be effective as of January 1, 2011.

“Tuberculosis test, cell mediated immunity antigen response measurement; enumeration of gamma interferon-producing T-cells in cell suspension.”

The T-SPOT.TB test is based on a patented enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) technology which is a highly accurate and innovative way to measure T-cell response. The T-SPOT.TB test measures the patient's immune response to T-cells that have been sensitized to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis infection.

The T-SPOT.TB test received premarket approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2008. The test is backed by the clinical evidence of over 200 peer-reviewed publications, and is the only TB screening test with sensitivity and specificity exceeding 95% in FDA pivotal trials. The T-SPOT.TB test has become widely utilized in hundreds of hospitals, medical practices and public health facilities throughout the United States.

Commenting on the new code, Dr. Peter Wrighton-Smith, CEO of Oxford Immunotec, said, "By choosing the T-SPOT.TB test, our customers have shown their trust in our test and the technology platform upon which it is run. I am pleased that the American Medical Association agrees that the ELISpot platform is a unique and powerful technology. The establishment of this new code will improve access to the test and make it more available to physicians and hospitals."