CPT® Code 87107

The CPT® Code 87107 refers to a laboratory procedure specifically designed for the culture and definitive identification of fungi, particularly molds. This test is crucial in the diagnostic process for fungal or yeast infections, as it allows healthcare professionals to accurately identify the specific organism responsible for the infection. The procedure involves growing pure isolates of yeast and/or filamentous fungi in a controlled laboratory environment. Once cultured, the identification of these organisms is achieved through a combination of macroscopic and microscopic examination, which assesses the physical characteristics of the fungi. Additionally, advanced techniques such as nucleic acid hybridization probes, D2rDNA gene sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry are employed to confirm the identity of the pathogens. It is important to note that each organism identified in the culture is reported separately using this code. In cases where multiple colonies are present, the code may be reported multiple times to reflect the number of distinct organisms identified. For the identification of yeast, a different code, 87106, is utilized, while 87107 is specifically reserved for mold identification.