Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique, (eg, enzyme immunoassay [EIA], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescence immunoassay [FIA], immunochemiluminometric assay [IMCA]) qualitative or semiquantitative; Aspergillus

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87305 refers to a laboratory test designed to detect the presence of Aspergillus species' antigens, particularly A. fumigatus, in blood serum or plasma samples. This detection is accomplished through various immunoassay techniques, which include enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), and immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA). A. fumigatus is a type of fungus commonly found in environments such as hay, grain, decaying plant matter, and bird droppings. The infection caused by this fungus is typically airborne and poses a significant risk to individuals with compromised immune systems or damaged tissues, leading to chronic infections in the lungs, eyes, and sinuses. The immunoassay techniques employed in this test are designed to identify the specific antigens associated with the fungus, allowing for qualitative or semi-quantitative assessment of the patient's immune response to the infection. The process involves binding the Aspergillus antigen to a solid surface, followed by the introduction of the patient's serum, which contains antibodies that may react with the antigen. Subsequent steps involve washing, incubation, and the addition of enzyme-linked antibodies, culminating in a colorimetric or fluorescent reaction that indicates the presence and concentration of the antigen in the sample.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 87305 is indicated for the detection of Aspergillus species antigens in patients who may be at risk for invasive fungal infections. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this test:

  • Immunosuppression Patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, or organ transplants.
  • Chronic Lung Infections Individuals presenting with persistent respiratory symptoms that may suggest fungal infections, particularly in those with underlying lung disease.
  • Sinus Infections Patients experiencing chronic sinusitis or other sinus-related symptoms that could be attributed to fungal pathogens.
  • Eye Infections Individuals with ocular symptoms that may indicate an invasive fungal infection affecting the eyes.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87305 involves several key steps to accurately detect Aspergillus antigens in the patient's serum or plasma. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the patient, typically through venipuncture, and is then processed to obtain serum or plasma for testing.
  • Step 2: Antigen Binding The collected serum is introduced to a microtiter plate or strip that has been pre-coated with immobilized Aspergillus antigen. This allows for the binding of any Aspergillus-specific antibodies present in the serum to the immobilized antigen.
  • Step 3: Incubation The plate is incubated for a specified period, allowing sufficient time for the antigen-antibody binding to occur.
  • Step 4: Washing After incubation, the plate is washed with a solution to remove any unbound serum components, ensuring that only the bound antigen-antibody complexes remain.
  • Step 5: Addition of Conjugate An anti-human-IgG peroxidase conjugate is added to the plate. This enzyme-linked antibody will bind to the human antibodies that are attached to the Aspergillus antigen.
  • Step 6: Second Incubation and Washing The plate undergoes another incubation period followed by a washing step to eliminate any unbound conjugate.
  • Step 7: Substrate Addition A substrate solution is added, which reacts with the enzyme linked to the antibody, resulting in a color change that indicates the presence of the antigen.
  • Step 8: Color Development The color development is stopped by adding a solution that changes the color to yellow, allowing for a measurable endpoint.
  • Step 9: Measurement The intensity of the color change is measured, which correlates with the concentration of Aspergillus antibodies in the sample, providing qualitative or semi-quantitative results.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87305, the laboratory will analyze the results and report the findings. Patients may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the test is minimally invasive. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to interpret the results in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Follow-up may be necessary based on the test results, particularly if the presence of Aspergillus antigens indicates an active infection that requires further medical intervention.

Short Descr ASPERGILLUS AG IA
Medium Descr IAAD IA ASPERGILLUS
Long Descr Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique (eg, enzyme immunoassay [EIA], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescence immunoassay [FIA], immunochemiluminometric assay [IMCA]), qualitative or semiquantitative; Aspergillus
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)
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2022-01-01 Changed First appearance of change in codebook.
2022-01-01 Note Grammatical correction.
2021-01-01 Changed First appearance of change in CPT® Code Set.
2020-10-06 Changed Code changed.
2016-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2007-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2007.
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"