CPT® Code 0546T

Radiofrequency spectroscopy is a diagnostic procedure utilized during partial mastectomy to assess the margins of excised breast tissue in real time. This technique is crucial for identifying positive margins, which indicate the presence of malignant cells at the edges of the resected tissue. By employing a hand-held probe, surgeons can detect the unique electromagnetic properties of different tissue types, which vary based on their structural and molecular characteristics. The procedure involves applying the probe to the surgically resected specimen, where it measures the electromagnetic scatter, reflectance, and absorbance of the tissue. The probe transmits readings that indicate whether the tissue is positive (malignant) or negative (benign). This allows for immediate feedback during surgery, enabling the surgeon to excise additional breast tissue if a positive reading is detected. The entire assessment of most surgical specimens can typically be completed in approximately five minutes, facilitating timely decision-making during the surgical procedure. However, it is important to note that radiofrequency spectroscopy is not applicable to specimen shavings or within the breast cavity of the patient, limiting its use to intact tissue specimens.