CPT® Code 87086

The CPT® Code 87086 refers to a laboratory procedure known as a bacterial culture, specifically focusing on a quantitative colony count of urine. This test is essential for identifying the presence of bacterial colonies within a urine sample and quantifying their concentration. The presence of bacteria in urine can be indicative of various urinary tract infections (UTIs), which may be acute or chronic in nature. Common conditions associated with positive bacterial cultures include pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, and acute urethral syndrome. To perform this test, a urine sample is collected using methods such as clean catch, mid-stream void, or catheterization, ensuring that the sample is as uncontaminated as possible. The collected urine is then inoculated onto agar plates using a calibrated loop, followed by an incubation period that allows for bacterial growth. After incubation, the laboratory technician counts the colonies that have formed, providing a quantitative measure of bacterial presence. A colony count of 10,000 colony-forming units per milliliter (cfu/mL) is typically reported as 'organism present,' suggesting a potential infection. In cases where the culture reveals a mixture of different organisms, this is reported as 'mixed flora,' which often indicates contamination rather than a true infection.