2025 CPT code 87537
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Microbiology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); HIV-2, direct probe technique.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service) and 91 (repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test) are applicable.
Medical necessity is established based on clinical presentation suggestive of HIV infection, inconclusive initial antibody tests,or as part of blood donor screening procedures.Payor-specific guidelines may apply.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs all technical aspects of the test, from specimen preparation to the analysis of hybridization results.The ordering physician is responsible for determining the medical necessity and interpreting the test results in the context of the patient's overall clinical presentation.
In simple words: This lab test checks for HIV-2, a virus related to HIV-1 but with slower progression and milder symptoms. It uses a special technique to find the virus's genetic material in a blood sample.
This CPT code, 87537, represents the detection of the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) using a direct nucleic acid probe technique.The test involves identifying specific nucleic acid sequences (DNA or RNA) indicative of HIV-2, typically performed on a plasma sample. The procedure uses a labeled single-stranded DNA or RNA probe that hybridizes with complementary sequences in the sample. The presence of the hybridization product, visualized through the label, indicates the presence of HIV-2.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of HIV infection.Initial HIV antibody tests are inconclusive.The physician orders an HIV-2 direct probe test to rule out HIV-2 infection., A blood donor's sample screens positive for HIV antibodies.Further testing, including an HIV-2 direct probe assay, is performed to determine the specific HIV type., A research study is conducted to compare the sensitivity and specificity of various HIV-2 detection methods. The direct probe technique is one of the methods used in the study.
Patient demographics, date of service, specimen type (plasma), test results, and physician's order.
** This test is less frequently used in the US for patient testing compared to amplified probe techniques.It is commonly used in blood and organ donor screening.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in source
- Global Days: Not applicable
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in source
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Clinical Microbiology, Hematology
- Place of Service:Laboratory