CPT® Code 87110

A Chlamydia culture, identified by CPT® Code 87110, is a laboratory procedure that involves the cultivation of Chlamydia bacteria from a tissue or cell sample obtained from various anatomical sites. Chlamydia refers to a genus of bacteria, with Chlamydia trachomatis being the most notable species due to its role in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This particular infection is often asymptomatic, especially in women, which can lead to severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility if left untreated. In men, while symptoms such as burning and itching during urination may occur, the risk of long-term reproductive damage is significantly lower. The procedure entails collecting specimens from multiple potential sources, including the cervix, urethra, rectum, eye, nose, or throat. The collection process involves the careful removal of excess mucus or secretions from the infected area using a swab, followed by the acquisition of the specimen itself with a second swab, ensuring that an adequate number of columnar epithelial cells are collected for accurate culture results. The collected swabs are then placed in a specialized viral chlamydial transport medium to preserve the viability of the bacteria. Subsequently, the specimens are inoculated onto tissue culture cells that are treated with trachomatis-specific antibodies and incubated to promote bacterial growth. Finally, immunofluorescence techniques are employed to detect the presence of Chlamydia, confirming whether the patient is infected.