CPT® Code 87254

Virus isolation; centrifuge enhanced (shell vial) technique, includes identification with immunofluorescence stain, each virus

The CPT® Code 87254 refers to a laboratory procedure known as virus isolation using a centrifuge enhanced technique, specifically the shell vial method. This procedure is essential for identifying viral infections by isolating viruses from tissue samples. In this process, a sample of tissue is subjected to centrifugation, which helps to concentrate the viral particles. Following this, an immunofluorescence stain, which is a fluorescent dye, is applied to the sample. This dye binds to specific viral antigens, allowing for the visualization of the virus under a microscope. The combination of centrifugation and immunofluorescence staining enhances the sensitivity and specificity of the virus detection, making it a valuable tool in clinical virology for diagnosing infections caused by various viruses.