CPT® Code 88314

Add-On Code

Special stain including interpretation and report; histochemical stain on frozen tissue block (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Histochemical staining of tissue is a specialized laboratory procedure that enhances the visualization of tissue components by applying one or more stains that impart color to the cellular structures. This process is crucial for pathologists and researchers as it facilitates a more detailed evaluation of the tissue and cell architecture. The use of frozen tissue blocks is significant because the freezing process preserves the internal structure of the tissue, preventing cell lysis, which can occur with other preservation methods. In some cases, the tissue may be embedded in epoxy resin, allowing for the creation of thin sections that can be examined microscopically. A vibratome, a precision instrument, is employed to slice the frozen tissue into these thin sections. Prior to staining, the tissue may undergo treatment with various reagents or solutions to enhance the staining process. Once the staining is completed, the specimen is examined under a microscope, where the pathologist interprets the staining results. A comprehensive written report detailing the findings is then generated. For billing purposes, the CPT® code 88314 should be used for each tissue block that is examined using histochemical stains, indicating that this service is provided in addition to the primary procedure performed.