CPT® Code 87278

The CPT® Code 87278 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed for the detection of the antigen of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila using an immunofluorescent technique. This test is crucial for identifying the presence of Legionella pneumophila, which is the causative agent of Legionnaire’s Disease, a severe form of pneumonia that manifests with symptoms such as cough, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), fever, body aches, and headache. Additionally, this bacterium is responsible for Pontiac Fever, a milder illness that resembles influenza and is characterized primarily by fever and body aches without the pneumonia symptoms. Legionella pneumophila is commonly found in various freshwater environments, including lakes, streams, and man-made water systems such as showers, faucets, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and plumbing systems. Infection typically occurs when individuals inhale or aspirate small droplets of water that contain the bacterium, making it a significant concern in settings where water systems are not properly maintained. The test involves obtaining a sample from lung tissue, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, nasopharyngeal or bronchial washings, or sputum. This sample is then treated with a detecting reagent that contains antibodies specific to Legionella pneumophila, along with a counterstain. The prepared sample is examined under an epifluorescence microscope, where the presence of Legionella pneumophila can be confirmed by a distinct color change resulting from the binding of antibodies to the antigens of the bacterium. While this immunofluorescent test offers a rapid detection method, it is important to note that it may be less sensitive compared to traditional culture methods and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques.