Summary & Overview
CPT 0455U: Abbott Alinity m Multiplex STI Assay
CPT code 0455U designates a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) test for the Abbott Alinity™ m STI Assay, a multiplex nucleic acid amplification test for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis. As a PLA code, 0455U is specific to a single manufacturer's assay and is used to identify this unique laboratory service in claims and reporting. Nationally, precise PLA coding supports tracking of test utilization, payer coverage decisions, and alignment of laboratory reporting with public health surveillance for common sexually transmitted infections.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical context for multiplex STI testing, typical sites of service where the assay is performed, and the implications of PLA coding for billing workflows. The publication summarizes payer coverage landscape, common modifiers encountered in claims for laboratory services, and operational considerations for reporting a manufacturer-specific assay. Data not available in the input is noted as such where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0455U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code that applies exclusively to the Abbott Alinity™ m STI Assay from Abbott Molecular Inc. The test uses a multiplex amplified probe technique to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis in clinical specimens.
Service type: Molecular diagnostic assay for sexually transmitted infections (multiplex nucleic acid amplification test)
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratories and outpatient specimen collection sites. The assay is reported when testing vaginal swabs, endocervical swabs, gynecological specimens, oropharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs, female urine, or male urine.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A sexually active adult or adolescent presents to an outpatient clinic, urgent care, sexual health clinic, or emergency department with genitourinary or sexual exposure concerns such as vaginal discharge, dysuria, pelvic pain, urethral discharge, rectal pain, or recent condomless oral/anal sex. The clinician performs a focused sexual health history and physical exam and collects specimens appropriate to exposure and symptoms: vaginal or endocervical swab for people with a cervix, oropharyngeal swab for oral exposure, rectal swab for receptive anal exposure, and/or first-catch urine for people without cervical sampling. The specimen(s) are sent to the performing laboratory using standard transport and chain-of-custody procedures for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). The laboratory runs the Abbott Alinity™ m STI Assay — reported with CPT code 0455U — which multiplexes amplified probes to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis. Results are reported back to the ordering clinician, who documents results, notifies the patient, and proceeds with treatment, partner notification, or further testing as indicated. Typical sites of service include outpatient clinics, community sexual health centers, urgent care centers, and hospital laboratories; the service type is laboratory diagnostic testing (Proprietary Laboratory Analyses).
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Default — No modifier | Use when no modifier applies to the lab service |