CPT® Code 87511

The CPT® Code 87511 refers to the detection of the infectious agent Gardnerella vaginalis through nucleic acid techniques, specifically utilizing an amplified probe technique. This method is crucial for identifying the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterium associated with bacterial vaginosis, a common condition affecting the female genital tract. The amplified probe technique enhances the sensitivity of the test, allowing for the detection of low levels of the target microorganism that may not be identifiable through direct probe methods. This is particularly important in clinical scenarios where the presence of Gardnerella is suspected but may be present in insufficient quantities to yield a positive result with less sensitive testing methods. The use of nucleic acid amplification, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enables the creation of multiple copies of the nucleic acids from Gardnerella, thereby facilitating their detection. This process not only aids in diagnosing bacterial vaginosis but also assists in monitoring the severity of the infection and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment interventions.