CPT® Code 87073

Culture, bacterial; quantitative, anaerobic with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates, any source except urine, blood or stool

The CPT® Code 87073 refers to a specific laboratory procedure known as a bacterial culture, which is performed to identify and quantify anaerobic bacteria from various tissue samples. In this context, "anaerobic" refers to bacteria that thrive in environments devoid of oxygen. The procedure involves collecting a sample from a source other than urine, blood, or stool, which may include tissues or other bodily fluids. Once the sample is obtained, it is placed in a specialized culture medium that promotes the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The laboratory then monitors the culture for bacterial growth, allowing for the identification of the types of bacteria present and the quantification of their numbers. This process is crucial for diagnosing infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, which can be challenging to detect due to their unique growth requirements. The results of this culture can provide valuable information for guiding appropriate treatment options for patients with suspected infections involving anaerobic organisms.