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CPT®
87810

CPT® Code 87810

Official Description

Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay with direct optical (ie, visual) observation; Chlamydia trachomatis

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87810 refers to a diagnostic procedure that involves the detection of the infectious agent Chlamydia trachomatis through an immunoassay method, specifically utilizing direct optical observation. This rapid, qualitative test is designed to identify the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium responsible for a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Often asymptomatic, this infection can lead to significant health complications, particularly in women, where it may cause irreversible damage to the reproductive system, potentially resulting in infertility. In contrast, while men may experience symptoms such as burning and itching in the urethra, they are less likely to suffer long-term reproductive damage from the infection. The procedure typically involves a swabbing technique, where the exocervix is first swabbed to clear away excess mucus, followed by the collection of columnar or cuboidal cells from the endocervical canal, which serve as the primary reservoir for Chlamydia organisms. The collected specimen is then processed with specific reagents and incubated to facilitate the detection of the antigen. The final step involves adding the sample to a test cassette, where a color change indicates the presence of the C. trachomatis antigen, confirming the infection.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87810 is indicated for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in individuals who may be at risk for this sexually transmitted infection. The following conditions and symptoms warrant the use of this test:

  • Asymptomatic Screening Individuals, particularly women, who are asymptomatic but at risk for Chlamydia trachomatis infection due to sexual activity.
  • Symptoms of Infection Patients presenting with symptoms such as burning or itching during urination, abnormal vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain, which may suggest a Chlamydia infection.
  • Routine Testing Routine screening for sexually active individuals, especially those under 25 years of age or those with multiple sexual partners.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87810 involves several key steps to ensure accurate detection of Chlamydia trachomatis. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection The first step involves swabbing the exocervix to remove any excess mucus that may interfere with the test results. This is crucial for obtaining a clear sample for analysis.
  • Step 2: Cell Collection A second swab or a cytology brush is then utilized to collect columnar or cuboidal cells from the endocervical canal. These cells are the primary reservoir for Chlamydia organisms, making their collection essential for accurate testing.
  • Step 3: Specimen Preparation The collected specimen is placed into a tube containing a specific reagent. This reagent helps to prepare the sample for the detection process. The tube is then incubated for a few minutes to allow the reagent to interact with the specimen.
  • Step 4: Reagent Addition After the initial incubation, a second reagent is added to the tube. This step is critical as it further facilitates the detection of the Chlamydia antigen within the sample. The tube is incubated again to ensure proper reaction.
  • Step 5: Test Application Following the incubation periods, a sample is extracted from the test tube and applied to a test cassette. This cassette is designed to visually indicate the presence of the Chlamydia trachomatis antigen.
  • Step 6: Result Interpretation If the sample contains the C. trachomatis antigen, a test line on the cassette will change color, indicating a positive result. A control line will also change color to confirm that the test has been performed correctly.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87810, it is important to provide appropriate post-procedure care and follow-up. Patients should be informed about the potential for receiving test results within a short timeframe, typically within the same visit. If the test result is positive, patients should be counseled on the importance of treatment and the need for notifying sexual partners. Additionally, follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection has been effectively treated. Patients should also be advised to monitor for any symptoms and seek medical attention if they experience any adverse effects or complications following the procedure.
Short Descr CHLMYD TRACH ASSAY W/OPTIC
Medium Descr IAADIADOO CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS
Long Descr Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay with direct optical (ie, visual) observation; Chlamydia trachomatis
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 2
CCS Clinical Classification 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology)
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.
Date
Action
Notes
2022-01-01 Changed First appearance of change in codebook.
2021-01-01 Changed First appearance of change in CPT® Code Set.
2020-10-06 Changed Code description changed.
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
1998-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1998.
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Description
Code
Description
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