CPT® Code 87255

Virus isolation; including identification by non-immunologic method, other than by cytopathic effect (eg, virus specific enzymatic activity)

The CPT® Code 87255 refers to the process of virus isolation, which is a laboratory technique used to identify viruses present in a tissue sample. This procedure involves the use of non-immunologic methods, specifically excluding those that rely on cytopathic effects, such as the visible changes in host cells caused by viral infection. Instead, this method utilizes virus-specific enzymatic activity to confirm the presence of the virus. In practice, a tissue sample is subjected to centrifugation, which separates the components of the sample based on density. Following this, a fluorescent dye is introduced to the mixture, enhancing the visibility of viral particles. The prepared sample is then placed on a microscope slide, where it is examined under a microscope for the detection of the suspected virus. This technique is crucial for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning in cases of viral infections.