CPT® Code 87158

The CPT® Code 87158 refers to a laboratory procedure known as "Culture, typing; other methods." This procedure involves the cultivation of a blood sample to identify specific organisms present in the culture. The term "culture" in this context refers to the process of growing microorganisms in a controlled environment, allowing for their identification and analysis. The phrase "other methods" indicates that the techniques used for this culture are not specified in other coding categories, suggesting a unique or specialized approach to organism identification. This procedure is essential in microbiology for diagnosing infections and determining the appropriate treatment by identifying the causative agents of disease.