CPT® Code 87904

Add-On Code

Infectious agent phenotype analysis by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with drug resistance tissue culture analysis, HIV 1; each additional drug tested (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Infectious agent phenotype analysis by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) for HIV-1 involves a specialized laboratory procedure that assesses the virus's characteristics and its resistance to various antiretroviral medications. This analysis is crucial for understanding how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interacts with the immune system, particularly how it targets and destroys T cells, also known as CD4 cells, which are essential for a robust immune response. The presence of HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a severe condition that significantly compromises the body's ability to combat infections. The phenotyping process typically utilizes blood samples, although tissue samples may also be employed. During the procedure, the collected blood or tissue is cultured, allowing for the growth of the virus, which is then subjected to testing against multiple antiretroviral drugs at varying concentrations. This complex testing requires significant labor and expertise from skilled clinicians to ensure accurate interpretation of the results. For billing purposes, CPT® Code 87904 is used to report each additional drug tested beyond the first ten, which are reported under CPT® Code 87903.