CPT® Code 87275

Official Description

Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; influenza B virus

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87275 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed for the detection of the influenza B virus antigen using an immunofluorescent technique. This procedure is crucial in identifying the presence of the influenza B virus in respiratory samples, which can include nasopharyngeal swabs, aspirates, or washings, as well as endotracheal aspirates. Influenza is a highly contagious virus characterized by its single-stranded RNA structure, leading to acute upper respiratory infections. Common symptoms associated with influenza include fever, chills, muscle and body aches, headaches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. These symptoms typically persist for a duration of 3 to 7 days, although the cough may continue for two weeks or longer. The immunofluorescent technique employed in this test involves the use of specific antibodies that are conjugated to fluorescent dyes. When a respiratory sample is processed, antibodies targeting the influenza B virus are combined with the sample. If the influenza B virus is present, these antibodies will bind to the viral antigens found in the nucleoprotein of the virus, resulting in a bright green fluorescence when viewed under an epifluorescence microscope. Conversely, if the influenza A virus is present, antibodies specific to that strain will bind to its antigens, producing a yellow gold fluorescence. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing acute influenza illness in symptomatic patients. However, it is important to note that a negative result from this test should be confirmed through more sensitive methods, such as viral culture or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87275 is indicated for the detection of the influenza B virus in patients presenting with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection. The following conditions warrant the use of this test:

Acute Respiratory Infection Symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle/body aches, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
Suspected Influenza B Infection In symptomatic individuals where influenza B is suspected based on clinical presentation.
Rapid Diagnosis Requirement Situations where a quick diagnosis is necessary to guide treatment decisions and public health interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87275 involves several key steps to ensure accurate detection of the influenza B virus antigen. The following outlines the procedural steps:

Sample Collection A respiratory sample is obtained from the patient, which may include a nasopharyngeal swab, aspirate, or washings, or an endotracheal aspirate. This step is critical as the quality of the sample directly impacts the test results.
Sample Preparation The collected sample is then prepared for testing by mixing it with specific antibodies that are conjugated to fluorescent dyes. These antibodies are designed to bind to the influenza B virus antigens present in the sample.
Incubation The sample-antibody mixture is incubated to allow sufficient time for the antibodies to bind to any influenza B antigens present in the sample.
Microscopic Examination After incubation, the sample is examined using an epifluorescence microscope. The presence of influenza B virus is indicated by a bright green fluorescence, which occurs when the antibodies bind to the viral nucleoprotein.
Result Interpretation If the test shows a positive result, indicating the presence of influenza B, appropriate clinical actions can be taken. If the test is negative, it is recommended to confirm the result with more sensitive methods such as viral culture or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the administration of the influenza B antigen detection test typically involves monitoring the patient for any ongoing symptoms of influenza. If the test result is positive, the healthcare provider may initiate antiviral treatment and provide guidance on symptom management. In cases of a negative result, especially if clinical suspicion remains high, further testing such as viral culture or RT-PCR may be recommended to confirm the absence of the virus. Additionally, healthcare providers should advise patients on preventive measures to avoid the spread of influenza, including vaccination and hygiene practices.

Short Descr	INFLUENZA B AG IF
Medium Descr	IAADI INFLUENZA B VIRUS
Long Descr	Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; influenza B virus
Status Code	Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days	XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions	09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW)	No
APC Status Indicator	Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS)	5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE	1
CCS Clinical Classification	206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology)

GA	Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW	Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GV	Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
26	Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59	Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
90	Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
QW	Clia waived test
SA	Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
XU	Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service