2025 CPT code 87525
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Microbiology Procedures Feed
Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); hepatitis G, direct probe technique
Modifiers 59 and 91 are applicable as per coding guidelines.
Medical necessity for this test is established by the presence of signs, symptoms, or risk factors suggesting HGV infection. This might include abnormal liver function tests, exposure to contaminated blood, history of intravenous drug use, or co-infection with other bloodborne viruses. The documentation should support the clinical rationale for ordering the test.
The lab analyst performs all technical steps to assess the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of hepatitis G virus in a primary specimen. This includes preparing the specimen and mixing it with a labeled nucleic acid probe (DNA or RNA) that hybridizes with the target sequence. The analyst then visualizes the hybridization product to determine the presence or absence of the virus.
In simple words: This test checks for hepatitis G using a special DNA/RNA probe. The probe finds and attaches to the virus's genetic material in a blood sample, allowing lab technicians to see if the virus is present.
This code represents a laboratory test for hepatitis G virus (HGV or GBV) using a direct nucleic acid probe technique. The procedure involves analyzing a patient specimen (usually serum or plasma) by mixing it with a labeled nucleic acid probe. The probe hybridizes with complementary sequences in the specimen, and the label allows visualization of the hybridization product, indicating the presence of HGV. This test is typically ordered to diagnose HGV infection, which can range from asymptomatic to mild hepatitis and may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. HGV often co-occurs with other infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.
Example 1: A patient with elevated liver enzymes and a history of intravenous drug use is tested for hepatitis G using the direct probe technique to determine if HGV is the cause., A patient receiving a blood transfusion is screened for HGV using the direct probe technique to prevent transmission., A patient co-infected with HIV is tested for HGV using the direct probe technique as HGV commonly appears alongside other bloodborne infections.
Documentation should include the patient's medical history, reason for testing, the type of specimen collected, the date of collection, and the test result. The report should specify that a direct probe technique was used.
- Revenue Code: T1H
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pathology, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Laboratory (Inpatient or Outpatient)