Understanding Procedure Code 90808: Vaginal Smear Examination

CPT 90808 – Laboratory test; direct examination of fresh vaginal smear, slide preparation.

This code covers the microscopic examination of a fresh vaginal smear (wet mount). A sample of vaginal secretions is collected (swab/spatula), placed on a slide with saline or KOH, and examined immediately for:

• Clue cells (bacterial vaginosis)
• Trichomonas motile trophozoites
• Yeast (pseudohyphae/budding spores)
• White blood cells, parabasal cells (atrophic vaginitis)

Billed by the performing lab or clinician. Not for Pap smear (cervical cytology) – use 88141–88175.