CPT® Code 87500

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); vancomycin resistance (eg, enterococcus species van A, van B), amplified probe technique

The CPT® Code 87500 refers to the detection of infectious agents through nucleic acid testing, specifically focusing on vancomycin resistance in bacteria, such as enterococcus species van A and van B. This procedure employs an amplified probe technique, which is a sophisticated method used to identify the presence of specific genetic material associated with antibiotic resistance. Vancomycin is a potent antibiotic commonly utilized to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. However, the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) poses significant challenges in clinical settings, as these bacteria are increasingly resistant to treatment. The amplified probe technique involves obtaining a specimen from the patient, isolating the bacteria, and treating the cells to expose single-stranded nucleic acid molecules. These target nucleic acids then hybridize with a complementary probe nucleic acid sequence, forming a stable double-stranded complex. The subsequent enzymatic cleavage of this complex releases fragments of the nucleic acid probe, indicating the presence of vancomycin resistance. This method not only confirms the resistance but also allows for the identification of the specific genotype, either A or B, providing critical information for effective patient management and treatment strategies.