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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesVirus Isolation ProceduresCPT cpt-87254-shell-vial-viral-culture-immunofluorescence
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    CPT 87254: Shell Vial Viral Culture with Immunofluorescence

    CPT code 87254 reports the technical laboratory procedure using centrifuge-enhanced (shell vial) culture with immunofluorescence staining to detect and identify a specific virus in a blood or other clinical specimen; service type: virology laboratory test (technical component); typical site of service: hospital or commercial clinical laboratory performing microbiology/virology testing.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Agents for HIV, B-Hemolytic Streptococcus Testing, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) — Coverage Criteria for Testing and Resistance Assays.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A symptomatic pediatric patient presents to an urgent care clinic with acute onset fever, cough, and nasal congestion during respiratory virus season. A nasopharyngeal swab is collected and sent to the on-site laboratory for viral testing using a centrifuge-enhanced (shell vial) technique with immunofluorescence staining. The laboratory technologist performs 87254 for each virus tested (for example respiratory syncytial virus or influenza A/B) and reports results to the ordering clinician. Typical workflow: specimen collection at point of care, transport to lab, specimen processing in shell vials, immunofluorescence staining and microscopic interpretation, result entry to the electronic medical record, and clinician-directed treatment or isolation decisions based on results.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    87400Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), direct probe technique, single or multiplexOften ordered alongside shell vial IF to detect RSV when rapid antigen testing is also used or to compare methodologies
    87501Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay for influenza A and B, single or multiplexCommonly performed in the same clinical episode to evaluate for influenza viruses in respiratory illness
    87631Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), influenza A and B, amplified probe techniqueMolecular testing frequently performed before or after shell vial IF when higher sensitivity or subtype information is required
    87804Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique, multiple respiratory viruses, directAlternative immunofluorescence-based assays that may be performed in the same lab using different formats
    99000Handling and/or conveyance of specimen to a laboratoryAncillary service related to specimen transport logistics when billing for specimen handling is permitted

    Related Modifiers

    6 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    90Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…
    91Modifier 91 — “Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test” — is appended when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once for the same patient on the same day because serial,…- Use modifier 91 when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once on the same patient on the same date because serial or repeated testing is medically necessary to monitor…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    163W00000X
    207Q00000X
    207L00000X
    207RA0000X
    376K00000X
    163WC3500X
    2085N0700X
    207RG0300X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Infectious Disease1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Agents for HIVColorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans2026-10-01
    B-Hemolytic Streptococcus TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) — Coverage Criteria for Testing and Resistance AssaysOscar Health2026-10-01
    Hepatitis Testing (A, B, C, D) Coverage CriteriaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Lyme Disease Testing Coverage CriteriaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Pathogen Panel TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Diagnostic Testing of Common Sexually Transmitted InfectionsOscar Health2026-10-01
    Coronavirus Testing in the Outpatient SettingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Testing for Vector-Borne InfectionsOscar Health2026-10-01
    Testing for Diagnosis of Active or Latent TuberculosisOscar Health2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-87250-VIRAL-ISOLATION-IN-EMBRYONATED-EGG-OR-SMALL-ANIMAL

    CPT 87250: Viral Isolation Using Embryonated Egg or Small Animal

    CPT-87252-VIRAL-CULTURE-IDENTIFICATION-TISSUE-CULTURE

    CPT 87252: Viral Isolation in Tissue Culture

    CPT-87253-VIRAL-IDENTIFICATION-AFTER-TISSUE-CULTURE

    CPT 87253: Virus Identification by Neutralization After Tissue Culture

    CPT-87255-VIRAL-IDENTIFICATION-CELL-IMPACT-ANALYSIS

    CPT 87255: Viral Identification by Cytopathic Effect, Non‑Immunologic

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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