CPT® Code 87040

Culture, bacterial; blood, aerobic, with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates (includes anaerobic culture, if appropriate)

The CPT® Code 87040 refers to a laboratory procedure known as a bacterial culture of blood, specifically designed to identify the presence of bacteria in a blood sample. In this procedure, a blood sample is collected from the patient and introduced into a culture medium that supports the growth of bacteria. This medium is specifically formulated to encourage the proliferation of aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen for growth. The process also includes the capability for anaerobic culture if deemed appropriate, allowing for the identification of bacteria that thrive in environments devoid of oxygen. Once the sample is incubated, any bacteria present will multiply, making them detectable. The subsequent isolation and presumptive identification of these bacterial isolates are crucial for diagnosing infections and determining appropriate treatment options. This procedure is essential in clinical settings for identifying bloodstream infections, which can be critical for patient management and care.