Question:
Can you explain more about what code 88342 actually represents, and what is its primary purpose in diagnosing neoplasms?
Answer:
Code 88342 represents an immunohistochemistry procedure also referred to as immunostain or peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP), a technique for identifying specific antigens found in tumor cells. It is used primarily to diagnose poorly differentiated neoplasms. Though several methods exist for performing immunocytochemistry tests, all involve treating the specimen with a tumor-specific antibody, incubation, subsequent washing of the specimen to remove unbound antibody, and counterstaining with secondary antibodies to determine the antibody location. The specimen is examined for positive and negative responses.
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