CPT® Code 88187

Flow cytometry is a sophisticated laboratory technique utilized to analyze the characteristics of cells or particles in a fluid as they pass through a laser or other light source. The procedure involves the measurement of cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear markers in various biological samples, including whole blood, serum, and bone marrow. During flow cytometry, an antigen/antibody reaction is employed to study specific proteins located on the cell membrane, as well as intracellular proteins, peptides, and DNA. The flow cytometer, which is a specialized instrument, is controlled by a computer program that manages the data acquisition process. As cells flow through the laser beam, they scatter light and emit fluorescence, which is detected and analyzed by the system. The results are displayed in the form of histograms and graphs, allowing for the visualization of the separation of cells based on their physical and chemical properties. The physician interprets the collected data, identifying the specific instrument and software used for the analysis. A comprehensive written interpretation is provided, detailing the findings and identifying the cells of interest for further study. CPT® Code 88187 specifically pertains to the interpretation of flow cytometry results involving 2 to 8 markers, while codes 88188 and 88189 are designated for the interpretation of 9-15 markers and 16 or more markers, respectively.