Internal Medicine

Test Code: 16302

CPT Code(s): 87449

Test code: 3946

CPT code(s): 87168

Clinical significance: Arthropods/insects may be vectors of disease and may cause infestations of skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Diagnosis of a disease or infestation may be achieved by recovery and identification of the intact arthropod/insect.

Methodology: Microscopic and Macroscopic Examination

Alternative name(s): Tick Identification, Parasite Identification, External, Arthropod Identification

Test code: 3950

CPT code(s): 87169

Clinical significance: Some parasitic diseases can be diagnosed by recovering the intact parasite in adult, immature or larval form. The symptoms of the diseases caused by each parasite varies, dependent upon the type of parasite.

Methodology: Microscopic and Macroscopic Examination • Conventional Identification Techniques

Test code: 34118

CPT code: 87077

Clinical Significance: Aerobic Bacteria Identification is required for selecting optimal therapy.

Methodology: Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight

Assay category: This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Test code: 392

CPT code: Dependent upon method of identification.
Identification by biochemicals (CPT code(s): 87077) or Gas liquid chromatography (CPT code(s): 87143) or Identification by nucleic acid probe (CPT code(s): 87149) or Serogrouping or serotyping (CPT code(s): 87147) or Immunofluorescent study (CPT code(s): 87140). If submitted culture is no growth or mixed growth with no further identification (CPT code(s): 87999).

Test Code: 8627

CPT Code(s): 87220 (skin, hair, or nails); 87206 (other than skin, hair, or nails)

Clinical Significance: This examination can provide the physician with early information regarding the possible need for antifungal treatment.

Methodology: Calcofluor White Stain • Microscopic Examination • Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)

Test Code: 497

CPT Code(s): 87205

Clinical Significance: The gram stain is a rapid, preliminary test to assess the quality of specimens, identify bacterial infections, and to guide the initial antibacterial therapy.

Methodology: Microscopic Examination

Test code: 4503

CPT code(s): 87203 (CPT code 87015 may be added if concentration is performed)

Clinical significance: Mycobacteria Stain, Acid-Fast, Fluorochrome - Used to evaluate a patient's tuberculosis communicability status.

Methodology: Microscopic Exam with Fluorochrome Stain

Test Code: 17835

CPT Code(s): Not applicable

Clinical Significance: Culture, Sterilizer Check

Methodology: Culture or Enzyme Production

Test Code: 4479

CPT Code(s): Not applicable

Clinical Significance: Aside from well-accepted environmental cultures such as monitoring sterilization practices and monthly cultures of hospital waters and dialysate fluids, all other environmental microbiological investigations should be performed only as part of epidemiologic investigations in which environmental or medical-device surfaces may represent microbial reservoirs or sources of health care-associated pathogens.