GONOCOCCUS CULTURE

Test Code

LAB235

Alias/See Also

GC CULTURE

CPT Codes
87081

Setup Schedule

Set Up:Daily Report Available:3 days

Clinical Significance

Gonorrhea is the second most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease. The incidence of gonorrhea is highest in high-density urban areas among persons under 24 years of age who have multiple sexual partners and engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. The majority of gonococcal infections are uncomplicated lower genital tract infections caused by direct infection of the columnar epithelium of mucosal membranes. In men, acute urethritis with symptoms including a scant clear to a copius purulent discharge, burning during urination, and a usual increase in urination frequency within 7 days after infection. Asymptomatic infections are estimated to occur in 10 to 50% of infected men. If untreated, men may develop epididymitis, prostatitis, and urethral stricture. In women, the primary site of infection is usually the endocervix. Symptomatic uncomplicated infections are characterized by a vaginal discharge, dysuria, and an erythematous, friable cervical os. Asymptomatic infections in women often manifest as low-grade or no endocervical inflammation or discharge. In prepubertal girls, gonococcal infections may present as vulvovaginitis. Persons practicing receptive oral or anal intercourse may acquire oral or anorectal gonococcal infections. However, women who do not engage in anal intercourse may acquire anorectal infections by contamination from cervical secretions. Anorectal infections may be asymptomatic. Symptoms of anorectal infections may include a copious purulent discharge, burning or stinging pain, tenesmus, and blood in stools. Symptomatic oropharyngeal infections may manifest as a mild pharyngitis. Oropharyngeal and anorectal infections may be asymptomatic. Ocular infections are most frequently diagnosed in newborns exposed to infected secretions during birth, but are also occasionally seen in adults and must be treated promptly to prevent blindness. Conjunctival infections involve tearing and edema associated with a purulent exudate.

Performing Laboratory
GBMC Microbiology

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.