2025 CPT code 87270
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Microbiology Procedures Feed
Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; Chlamydia trachomatis
Modifiers 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) and 91 (Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test) can be applicable in specific scenarios as detailed in the coding guidelines.
Medical necessity for this test is established by the presence of signs, symptoms, or risk factors suggestive of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. It can also be used for screening purposes in high-risk populations.
In simple words: This test checks for Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection. A sample is taken from you and examined under a special microscope to see if the bacteria that cause Chlamydia are present.
This code represents the laboratory test for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis antigens using the direct immunofluorescent antibody technique. The procedure involves using a primary source specimen (vaginal, nasal, eye, or rectal swab) to identify specific Chlamydia trachomatis antigens. The technique employs fluorescent-tagged antibodies that bind to the target antigens, and the results are interpreted based on the observed fluorescence patterns. This test aids in diagnosing or ruling out Chlamydia trachomatis infection, a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
Example 1: A 22-year-old female presents with vaginal discharge. A vaginal swab is collected and tested using the direct immunofluorescent antibody technique to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens., A male infant born to a mother with a Chlamydia trachomatis infection has eye discharge. An eye swab is collected and analyzed using direct immunofluorescent antibody technique to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens., A 30-year-old male presents with urethral discharge. A urethral swab is collected, and the direct immunofluorescent antibody technique is employed to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
The medical record should document the reason for the test (e.g., symptoms, exposure, screening), the source of the specimen (e.g., vaginal, urethral, eye, rectal swab), the method used (direct immunofluorescent antibody technique), and the test result.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology, Infectious Disease, Family Medicine, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center, Public Health Clinic