diff --git a/classification/models/condition_text_matching.py b/classification/models/condition_text_matching.py
index 1ab7ed947..80419c2f1 100644
--- a/classification/models/condition_text_matching.py
+++ b/classification/models/condition_text_matching.py
@@ -338,8 +338,8 @@ def sync_condition_text_classification(cm: ClassificationModification, update_co
         ct: ConditionText
         ct, ct_is_new = ConditionText.objects.get_or_create(normalized_text=normalized, lab=lab)
 
-        ct = ConditionText.objects.select_for_update().filter(pk=ct.pk).first()
         with transaction.atomic():
+            ct = ConditionText.objects.select_for_update().filter(pk=ct.pk).first()
 
             # ensure each step of the hierarchy is present
             root, new_root = ConditionTextMatch.objects.get_or_create(