CPT® Code 88360

Morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry (eg, Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), quantitative or semiquantitative, per specimen, each single antibody stain procedure; manual

The CPT® Code 88360 refers to a specific laboratory test that involves morphometric analysis of tumor cells through the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC). This procedure is designed to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of tumor cells, which includes a detailed examination of various cellular features such as size, shape, and the structural attributes of both the cell and its nucleus. Additionally, the analysis assesses the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and identifies specific DNA and RNA markers that are critical in understanding the tumor's biological behavior. Among the markers that can be analyzed using IHC are Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, p53, MART-1, CD34, CD117, PTEN, SDHB, MIB-2, and PD-L2. This morphometric analysis is particularly valuable in clinical settings as it can help confirm ambiguous results from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests and provide essential prognostic information regarding the likelihood of tumor recurrence and the potential response to therapeutic interventions. The procedure requires a tissue sample, which is typically obtained through a separately reportable biopsy or excision, or through fine needle aspiration. Once the sample is collected, it is stained and subsequently examined under a microscope by a pathologist or analyzed using specialized computer software. The results of the analysis, which include a count or estimation of the stained cells, are compiled into a comprehensive written report. It is important to note that CPT® Code 88360 is specifically designated for manual IHC cell studies, while CPT® Code 88361 is reserved for those performed with the assistance of computer technology and digital cellular imaging.