CPT® Code 88371

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 88371 is indicated for the analysis of specific proteins in tissue samples. This analysis is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

• Diagnosis of Diseases The Western Blot technique is often employed to confirm the presence of certain proteins that may indicate specific diseases, including various infections and autoimmune disorders.
• Research Purposes This procedure is utilized in research settings to study protein expression and function, contributing to the understanding of various biological processes and disease mechanisms.
• Monitoring Treatment Efficacy The analysis can be used to monitor the levels of specific proteins in response to treatment, providing insights into the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® 88371 involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate protein analysis:

• Sample Collection The first step involves obtaining a tissue sample through a separately reportable procedure. This sample serves as the basis for the subsequent analysis.
• Tissue Preparation Once the tissue sample is collected, it is prepared by breaking down the tissue and adding buffers to lyse the cells. This process stabilizes the proteins for analysis. A chemical inhibitor may also be added to prevent denaturation or degradation of the proteins.
• Sample Dilution The prepared sample is then diluted with a loading buffer, which typically contains glycerol and dye. This dilution is crucial for the subsequent loading of the sample onto a gel.
• Electrophoresis The diluted sample is loaded onto a gel, where electrophoresis is performed. During this process, the negatively charged proteins migrate towards the positively charged anode, allowing for their separation based on size.
• Blotting After electrophoresis, the proteins are transferred onto a solid support membrane in a process known as blotting. This step is essential for the visualization of the proteins.
• Blocking Following the transfer, the membrane is blocked to limit non-specific interactions between the proteins and the membrane, which is critical for accurate results.
• Antibody Probing To visualize the proteins of interest, antibody probes are added to the membrane. A primary protein-specific antibody is first inoculated onto the membrane, followed by washing to remove unbound antibodies. A secondary labeled antibody is then added to bind to the primary antibody.
• Result Analysis The labeled protein can be analyzed, and the results are captured using imaging techniques such as a camera or scanner. This analysis allows for the confirmation of the presence of specific proteins.
• Reporting Finally, the pathologist generates a report that confirms the presence of the protein(s) of interest, estimates their quantity through visual inspection, and determines their size by comparison with standardized markers.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the Western Blot procedure, the pathologist's report is generated, which includes the findings related to the presence and quantity of the proteins analyzed. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions mentioned for this laboratory procedure; however, it is essential for healthcare professionals to review the report thoroughly to interpret the results accurately. The findings may guide further diagnostic or therapeutic decisions based on the presence of specific proteins in the tissue sample.