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 detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Trichomonas vaginalis, amplified probe technique

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) for Trichomonas vaginalis using the amplified probe technique is a diagnostic procedure aimed at identifying the presence of this specific protozoan organism. Trichomonas vaginalis is a single-cell protozoan that is primarily responsible for causing vaginitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the vagina. This organism is transmitted through sexual contact and can infect both the urethra and vagina, leading to various symptoms associated with sexually transmitted infections. The amplified probe technique allows for rapid and direct identification of Trichomonas vaginalis by analyzing nucleic acids extracted from patient samples. This method is particularly valuable as it can definitively diagnose a trichomonas vaginalis infection, even when other organisms and host DNA are present in the sample. The procedure involves obtaining a vaginal swab, which is then treated to rupture cells and release nucleic acids. The technique relies on the detection of a specific nucleotide sequence within the clinical sample, utilizing a radiolabeled or nonisotopically labeled DNA probe. This probe is designed to bind with the target DNA, forming stable complexes that can be detected. The amplified probe technique enhances sensitivity and specificity for qualitative detection by employing methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which enzymatically replicates target DNA sequences to increase their quantity for easier identification. Additionally, amplification primers are used to ensure that the correct DNA fragments are targeted and replicated, further improving the accuracy of the test.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis using nucleic acid amplification is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Vaginitis - Patients presenting with symptoms of vaginitis, which may include itching, burning, and unusual discharge, may require testing for Trichomonas vaginalis to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - Individuals who are at risk for STIs or have a history of STIs may be tested for Trichomonas vaginalis to rule out or confirm infection.
  • Asymptomatic Carriers - Screening may be performed in asymptomatic individuals, particularly in high-risk populations, to identify carriers of Trichomonas vaginalis who may unknowingly transmit the infection.

2. Procedure

The procedure for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis using the amplified probe technique involves several key steps:

  • Sample Collection - A vaginal swab is obtained from the patient. This sample is crucial as it contains the potential presence of Trichomonas vaginalis and other nucleic acids that will be analyzed.
  • Cell Lysis - The collected sample is treated with a lysate solution that ruptures all cells present in the sample. This step is essential to release the nucleic acids contained within the cells, allowing for subsequent analysis.
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification - The released nucleic acids are subjected to amplification using an amplified probe technique. This involves the use of specific primers that bind to target sequences of the Trichomonas vaginalis DNA, enabling the polymerase enzyme to replicate these sequences exponentially.
  • Probe Hybridization - A laboratory-prepared DNA probe, which is complementary to the target DNA sequence, is introduced. This probe may be labeled with a radiolabeled or nonisotopically labeled marker, allowing for the detection of the hybridized complexes formed between the probe and the target DNA.
  • Detection - The final step involves detecting the presence of the hybridized DNA complexes, which indicates the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in the sample. The sensitivity of the amplified probe technique allows for accurate identification, even in the presence of other organisms.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient may be advised on the expected timeline for receiving results, which can vary based on the laboratory's processing capabilities. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate the significance of the results, whether positive or negative, and to discuss any necessary follow-up actions or treatments. Patients may also be counseled on the importance of informing sexual partners if a positive result is obtained, as Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted infection. Additionally, healthcare providers should ensure that appropriate documentation of the procedure and results is maintained for compliance and billing purposes.

Short Descr TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS AMPLIF
Medium Descr IADNA TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS AMPLIFIED PROBE TECH
Long Descr Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Trichomonas vaginalis, amplified probe technique
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
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.
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.
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
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.
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
QW Clia waived test
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2014-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
Code
Description
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"