A Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code is a standardized set of five-digit codes used by healthcare providers and payers to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. CPT Code 87624 specifically identifies a laboratory procedure for the qualitative detection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) high-risk types. This code signifies that the test looks for the presence of the virus’s genetic material, or nucleic acid, rather than visible changes in cells or antibodies. The procedure is a form of molecular testing that targets a specific group of HPV strains known to be oncogenic.
Identifying High-Risk HPV
The primary medical indication for CPT 87624 is to screen for high-risk HPV types that are the virtually universal cause of cervical cancer and are also linked to several other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV strains are categorized into low-risk types, which cause benign conditions like common warts, and high-risk types (such as HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45) that have the potential to cause cancer. The 87624 test specifically screens for this latter, more dangerous group.
Persistent infection with one of these high-risk types is a necessary precursor for the development of cervical precancer and cancer. The progression from initial infection to invasive cancer can take 10 to 20 years, making early detection a powerful preventive tool. Screening for high-risk HPV is a standard component of modern cervical cancer prevention strategies for individuals with a cervix.
This test is commonly used in several clinical scenarios, including primary screening for individuals aged 25 or 30 and older, often replacing or complementing the traditional Pap smear. It may also be used in “co-testing,” performed alongside a Pap smear, or for triaging abnormal Pap test results. Identifying the high-risk virus allows clinicians to assess the patient’s cancer risk and plan the appropriate follow-up schedule.
The Mechanics of Nucleic Acid Testing
CPT 87624 specifies “nucleic acid detection,” meaning the laboratory searches for the actual genetic blueprint of the high-risk HPV strains. This genetic material can be either the viral DNA or, in some assays, the messenger RNA (mRNA) that the virus produces. The test is highly sensitive because it looks for the virus itself, not just the cellular changes it causes.
The sample for this test is typically collected from the cervix using a brush or swab, often at the same time and in the same preservative fluid as a Pap smear. Once the sample reaches the laboratory, the first step is to extract the nucleic acids from the collected cells. Molecular techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA), are then used to multiply the target HPV genetic material millions of times.
This amplification process makes even tiny amounts of the viral DNA or RNA detectable. The test usually delivers a pooled result, indicating the presence of any of the high-risk types, though some modern assays can identify specific types like HPV 16 and 18. The technique provides a qualitative result: the virus is either detected (positive) or not detected (negative).
Meaning of Results and Clinical Follow-Up
A positive result for CPT 87624 means that one or more high-risk HPV types were detected in the cervical sample. A positive result does not automatically mean the patient has cancer or even precancerous lesions. It simply indicates an active infection that increases the individual’s future risk of developing cervical cell changes.
Because most HPV infections, especially in younger individuals, are transient and clear on their own, the follow-up plan is determined by the patient’s age and any concurrent Pap smear results. For an HPV-positive result with normal cytology, repeat co-testing is often recommended in 12 months to see if the infection has cleared. If the positive test shows specific high-risk types like HPV 16 or 18, or if the Pap test is abnormal, a more immediate follow-up is necessary.
The next step for a high-risk result is usually a colposcopy, where a specialist uses a magnifying instrument to visually inspect the cervix for abnormal areas. During a colposcopy, a biopsy may be taken to determine the severity of any cell changes. Timely follow-up on a positive result allows for the detection and treatment of precancerous lesions before they progress to invasive cancer.