CPT® Code 89055

The CPT® Code 89055 refers to a laboratory procedure known as a leukocyte assessment performed on a fresh stool sample. This assessment is crucial for determining the presence of leukocytes, which are a type of immune cell that can indicate underlying health issues. In a healthy individual, leukocytes are not typically found in fecal matter; their presence often suggests a response to gastrointestinal infections or inflammatory conditions. Specifically, leukocytes may appear in stool samples due to infections caused by pathogens such as Shigella, Salmonella, amebiasis, Campylobacter, and Clostridium difficile, or as a result of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. The procedure involves collecting a fresh fecal sample from the patient, which is then smeared onto a glass slide and stained for microscopic examination. The laboratory technician analyzes the slide under a microscope to identify and count the leukocytes present in the sample. The results are reported in a semiquantitative manner, categorizing the leukocyte count as few (≤2 per oil immersion field), moderate (3 to 9 per oil immersion field), or many (≥10 per oil immersion field). A positive result from this assessment can indicate an infection with a toxin-producing microorganism or one that invades intestinal tissue, leading to inflammatory damage.