Test code: 15059
CPT Code: 87254
Methodology: Centrifugation enhanced culture using R-mix cell line
Includes: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Alternative name(s): Bronchial washes or bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL)
Clinical significance: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is considered the single most important virus affecting infants and young adults, causing acute lower respiratory tract illness; Mainly brochiolitis and pneumonia. Adults are susceptible to infection but usually experience mild respiratory tract illness. Elderly patients may suffer severe lower respiratory tract disease.
Supply: Supply #S05 VCM, Nasal Swab *Transport medium may vary in lid color
Preferred specimen(s): 2 mL of nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash or swab in V-C-M (Viral/Chlamydial/Mycoplasma) transport medium or equivalent
Alternative Specimen(s): Bronchial washes or bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) in sterile container or in V-C-M (Viral/Chlamydial/Mycoplasma) transport medium or equivalent
Preferred volume:
- Nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash/lavage: 2mL
- Nasal Swab: 1 swab
Transport container: Swabs or aspirates in V-C-M (Viral/Chlamydial/Mycoplasma) transport medium (blue or red label) or equivalent, and aspirates/washings in sterile container
Transport temperature: Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen stability: Refrigerated: 72 hours
Rejection Criteria:
- Throat swab on patient < 2 years of age
- Dry swabs
- Formalin or other fixatives
- Any specimen in nucleic acid transport systems
- Non-respiratory sites
- Whole blood
- Serum
- Plasma
- Frozen specimens
- Specimens submitted at room temperature
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.