CPT® Code 87905

The CPT® Code 87905 refers to the testing of infectious agent enzymatic activity that is not associated with viral infections. This procedure typically involves the collection of a body fluid specimen, such as a vaginal swab, to assess the enzymatic activity of infectious agents. A specific example of this enzymatic activity is sialidase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the ability of certain microorganisms to invade and damage host tissues. Elevated levels of sialidase in vaginal fluid can indicate the presence of bacterial vaginosis, a common condition characterized by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. The testing process involves swabbing the lower third of the vaginal wall to collect an adequate sample of fluid, which is then placed in a capped tube for analysis. A chromogenic enzyme activity test is subsequently performed to detect sialidase activity. Additionally, CPT® Code 87905 can be utilized to report tests for other types of enzymatic activities related to infectious agents found in various body fluids, thereby broadening its application in clinical diagnostics.