CPT® Code 88371

The CPT® Code 88371 refers to a laboratory procedure known as protein analysis of tissue by Western Blot, which includes the interpretation and report of the findings. This sophisticated technique is utilized to isolate and identify specific proteins within a tissue sample. The process begins with the collection of a tissue sample, which must be obtained through a separately reportable procedure. Once the sample is collected, it undergoes preparation that involves breaking down the tissue and adding buffers to lyse the cells, thereby stabilizing the proteins for analysis. To prevent any denaturation or degradation of the proteins, a chemical inhibitor may be introduced into the sample. The prepared sample is then diluted with a loading buffer, which typically consists of glycerol and dye, and subsequently loaded onto a gel for electrophoresis. During electrophoresis, the negatively charged proteins migrate towards the positively charged anode, allowing for their separation based on size. After this migration, the proteins are transferred onto a solid support membrane in a process known as blotting. To minimize non-specific interactions between the proteins and the membrane, the membrane is blocked following the transfer. The analysis continues with the addition of antibody probes to the membrane to visualize the proteins of interest. Initially, a primary antibody that is specific to the target protein is applied, followed by washing the membrane to remove any unbound antibodies. A secondary labeled antibody is then introduced, which binds to the primary antibody. This labeled protein can be analyzed, and the results are captured using imaging techniques such as a camera or scanner. The pathologist's report generated from this procedure confirms the presence of the targeted protein(s), estimates their quantity through visual inspection, and determines their size by comparing them to standardized markers. It is important to note that for each antibody probe utilized in the analysis, the CPT® Code 88372 should be reported.