CPT® Code 88374

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

Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative) is a specialized laboratory technique employed by pathologists and geneticists to visualize and analyze specific genes or segments of genes within biological specimens. This method utilizes fluorescent tagging to detect genetic abnormalities, which may include translocations, deletions, duplications, amplifications, and inversions that can occur in chromosomes, hematologic cells, and solid tumors. The process begins with fixing cells onto a slide, followed by treatment to denature the DNA, converting it into single strands. Subsequently, a short sequence of single-stranded DNA, known as a probe, which is complementary to the target gene(s), is tagged with fluorescent labels and applied to the slide. The DNA on the slide is allowed to hybridize, or bind, to the probe DNA, and any unbound probe is washed away. The final step involves using computer-assisted technology to read the slide, enabling the identification of any genetic abnormalities present. This analysis is crucial for determining patient eligibility for specific treatments, planning treatment courses, and monitoring responses to therapies. CPT® Code 88374 is specifically used to report the procedure when multiple probes are utilized simultaneously in a single staining procedure, distinguishing it from other related codes that report single probe stain procedures.