CPT® Code 87046

The CPT® Code 87046 refers to a laboratory procedure known as a bacterial culture of stool samples, specifically focusing on the isolation and presumptive identification of additional pathogens beyond the primary organisms. In this context, a stool sample is collected from a patient and placed in a specialized growth medium that supports the proliferation of various bacteria. The primary aim of this procedure is to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella and Shigella, which are commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections. However, this code is utilized when there is a need to examine additional bacterial pathogens that may be present in the stool sample. The process involves incubating the sample under aerobic conditions, allowing for the growth of bacteria, which are then isolated and identified using various laboratory techniques. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing infections and determining appropriate treatment options based on the specific pathogens identified in the stool culture.