CPT® Code 88367

Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; initial single probe stain procedure

Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative) is a specialized laboratory technique utilized primarily by pathologists and geneticists to visualize and analyze specific genes or segments of genes within biological specimens. This method employs fluorescent tagging to enable the detection and identification of genetic abnormalities, which may include translocations, deletions, duplications, amplifications, and inversions on chromosomes, as well as in hematologic cells and solid tumor cancers. The insights gained from this analysis are crucial for determining patient eligibility for targeted treatments, planning appropriate treatment courses, and monitoring the effectiveness of ongoing therapies. The procedure involves fixing cells onto a slide and treating them to denature the DNA, converting it into single strands. A short sequence of single-stranded DNA, known as a probe, which is complementary to the target gene(s), is then tagged with fluorescent labels and applied to the slide. Following this, the DNA on the slide is allowed to hybridize, or bind, to the probe DNA, after which the slide is washed to eliminate any unbound excess. The final step involves using computer-assisted technology to read the slide, allowing for the identification of any genetic abnormalities present in the specimen. This code specifically applies to the initial single probe stain procedure performed in this context.