CPT® Code 81545

Deleted

Oncology (thyroid), gene expression analysis of 142 genes, utilizing fine needle aspirate, algorithm reported as a categorical result (eg, benign or suspicious)

The CPT® Code 81545 pertains to a specialized molecular genetic test focused on the analysis of thyroid tissue obtained through fine needle aspiration (FNA). This procedure involves the examination of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of 142 specific genes simultaneously. Thyroid nodules, which are frequently encountered in clinical practice, necessitate thorough evaluation to ascertain their nature and potential risk for malignancy. The assessment typically includes a combination of clinical evaluation, measurement of thyrotropin (TSH) levels, ultrasound imaging, and, when indicated by the size and characteristics of the nodules, fine needle aspiration biopsy. In cases where the cytopathological classification of the FNA results is indeterminate, gene expression profiling can provide valuable insights. This profiling helps determine the positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) of the genes analyzed, thereby aiding in clinical decision-making. The results of this test are reported as a categorical outcome, indicating whether the findings are benign, with a greater than 95% NPA, or suspicious for malignancy, with a greater than 50% PPA. The primary utility of this gene expression analysis is to identify benign thyroid nodules preoperatively, which can significantly reduce the number of unnecessary surgical interventions for patients.