CPT® Code 87101

The CPT® Code 87101 refers to a laboratory procedure specifically designed for the culture and isolation of fungi, which can include both mold and yeast. This test is particularly focused on samples obtained from skin, hair, or nails. The primary objective of this procedure is to isolate fungi and provide a presumptive identification of the isolates present in the collected samples. The test is crucial in diagnosing fungal infections, which can manifest in various forms and may require management for acute, chronic, or recurring conditions. The process of obtaining samples varies depending on the source; for hair, diseased follicles are plucked, while skin samples are collected by scraping cells from the outer edge of lesions. Nail samples are obtained by scraping friable material from beneath the nail edge or by clipping the diseased portion of the nail. In addition to these sources, blood can also be tested for fungal presence, typically collected through venipuncture or a central line draw. Other body fluids, such as bone marrow or vaginal fluid, may also be utilized for testing when appropriate. Once collected, these samples are cultured on agar plates to promote the growth of fungi, allowing for the detection of any fungal presence. Blood samples are processed using a blood culture monitoring system that employs microscopic examination, biochemical analysis, DNA probes, and chromatography techniques to isolate and identify mold or yeast colonies. While the initial identification of the fungi is presumptive, it is important to note that further laboratory tests may be necessary to achieve a definitive identification of the yeast or mold isolates found in the culture.