CPT® Code 87188

The CPT® Code 87188 refers to susceptibility studies that utilize the macrobroth dilution method to assess the effectiveness of specific antimicrobial agents against particular bacteria. This procedure is essential in microbiology for determining how well an antibiotic can inhibit or kill bacteria, which is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment options. The macrobroth dilution method involves preparing a series of broth cultures with varying concentrations of the antibiotic in question. By observing the growth of the bacteria in these cultures, healthcare professionals can identify the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotic, which is the lowest concentration that prevents visible growth of the bacteria. This information is vital for clinicians to select the most effective antibiotic therapy for infections, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care based on the susceptibility of the bacteria involved. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to the macrobroth dilution method; other methods of susceptibility testing, such as disk diffusion or agar dilution, are coded differently, as indicated by the related CPT codes.