CPT® Code 87475

The CPT® Code 87475 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of the infectious agent Borrelia burgdorferi through nucleic acid analysis, specifically targeting DNA or RNA. Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterium that is primarily transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected black-legged tick, and it is widely recognized as the causative agent of Lyme disease. This test is particularly valuable in clinical scenarios where Lyme disease is highly suspected, yet serological tests yield negative results. The nucleic acid detection method employed in this procedure utilizes a direct probe technique, which focuses on identifying a unique nucleic acid sequence known as the target sequence of the B. burgdorferi organism. This identification process can occur in various biological samples, including blood, tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or synovial fluid. The direct probe used in this test is labeled with either fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers, enhancing the visibility of the target sequence. To facilitate the detection of the nucleic acids, the sample undergoes treatment that releases nucleic acids from the target organism, if present. The labeled probe then specifically binds to the matching target sequence, forming a stable hybrid that can be detected. Notably, ribosomal RNA is often the focus of this detection method, as it exists in numerous copies within most microorganisms, in contrast to the limited copies found in genomic DNA. For enhanced sensitivity, an amplified probe technique, referenced by CPT® Code 87476, can be utilized, which involves exponentially multiplying the target sequence of B. burgdorferi DNA or RNA into millions of copies. The most prevalent amplification methods include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which allow for the identification of the replicated sequences using labeled DNA probes.