CPT® Code 80187

The CPT® Code 80187 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to monitor therapeutic drug levels of posaconazole, an antifungal medication. Posaconazole is utilized primarily in the prevention and treatment of refractory invasive fungal infections, particularly in patients who have compromised immune systems, such as those with hematological cancers or individuals who have undergone organ transplants. This medication is effective against various fungal pathogens, including species of Candida and Aspergillus, Cryptococcus neoformans, zygomycetes, and other filamentous fungi. Due to significant variability in bioavailability and potential drug interactions among different patients, therapeutic monitoring of posaconazole is essential. This monitoring ensures that each patient receives an adequate dosage of the drug to achieve therapeutic efficacy, thereby improving clinical outcomes and preventing the development of drug-resistant fungal strains. Additionally, it helps to mitigate the risk of toxicity associated with the medication. The therapeutic drug monitoring process typically employs high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze serum or plasma samples in hospitalized patients. For outpatient or home settings, a finger prick may be used to collect a blood sample, which is then processed using the dried blood spot technique before being sent to the laboratory for analysis.