CPT® Code 87476

The CPT® Code 87476 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of the infectious agent Borrelia burgdorferi through nucleic acid analysis, specifically utilizing either DNA or RNA. Borrelia burgdorferi is a type of 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 particular test is particularly valuable in clinical scenarios where Lyme disease is highly suspected, yet serological tests yield negative results. The nucleic acid detection method is employed to identify the presence of the bacterium's unique genetic material, which can be found in various biological samples such as blood, tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or synovial fluid. The process involves a direct probe test, which identifies a specific nucleic acid sequence known as the target sequence of the B. burgdorferi organism. This is achieved by using a probe that is labeled with either fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers. The biological sample is treated to release nucleic acids from the target organism, if it is present. The labeled probe then selectively binds to the target sequence, forming a stable hybrid. Notably, ribosomal RNA is often the focus of these tests due to its abundance in microorganisms, as it exists in thousands of copies compared to the limited 1-2 copies found in genomic DNA. In the amplified probe technique associated with CPT® Code 87476, the sensitivity of the assay is significantly enhanced by first exponentially amplifying the target sequence of B. burgdorferi DNA or RNA into millions of copies. The most prevalent amplification methods utilized in this context include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Following amplification, the replicated sequences are identified using labeled DNA probes, thereby increasing the likelihood of detecting the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi in the sample.