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Code deleted, see 80300, 80301, 80302, 80303, 80304

Official Description

Tissue preparation for drug analysis

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Tissue preparation for drug analysis, as denoted by CPT® Code 80103, involves the meticulous process of preparing biological samples such as hair, nails, stool, or other body tissues or fluids. This preparation is essential for laboratory analysis aimed at detecting the presence of drugs or chemicals within the sample. The primary objective of this procedure is to evaluate an individual's exposure to one or more substances, which can serve various purposes including investigative assessments or ongoing monitoring of substance use. The preparation phase is critical as it ensures that the sample is adequately processed to facilitate accurate testing for the specific drug or chemical being screened. This step is foundational in the overall drug analysis process, as it directly impacts the reliability and validity of the subsequent laboratory results.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of tissue preparation for drug analysis is indicated in various scenarios where there is a need to assess exposure to drugs or chemicals. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Substance Exposure Evaluation This procedure is performed to evaluate an individual's exposure to one or more substances, which may be necessary for clinical assessments or legal investigations.
  • Monitoring Substance Use It is utilized for monitoring purposes, particularly in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders or in situations where ongoing surveillance of drug levels is required.
  • Investigative Purposes Tissue preparation is also indicated in investigative contexts, such as forensic analysis, where determining the presence of drugs or chemicals in a sample is crucial for legal or safety evaluations.

2. Procedure

The procedure for tissue preparation for drug analysis involves several critical steps to ensure that the biological sample is adequately prepared for testing. Each step is essential for achieving accurate and reliable results.

  • Sample Collection The first step involves the careful collection of the biological sample, which may include hair, nails, stool, or other body tissues or fluids. Proper collection techniques are vital to avoid contamination and ensure the integrity of the sample.
  • Sample Processing Once collected, the sample undergoes processing, which may include washing, grinding, or homogenizing the tissue to break it down into a form suitable for analysis. This step is crucial as it prepares the sample for the extraction of the substances being tested.
  • Extraction of Analytes Following processing, the next step involves the extraction of the analytes, which are the specific drugs or chemicals of interest. This may involve the use of solvents or other chemical agents to isolate the substances from the biological matrix.
  • Preparation for Testing Finally, the prepared sample is then placed in a suitable format for laboratory testing, ensuring that it meets the requirements for the specific drug or chemical analysis being conducted. This may include placing the sample in vials or other containers that are compatible with the testing equipment.

3. Post-Procedure

After the tissue preparation for drug analysis is completed, the sample is ready for laboratory testing. Post-procedure care primarily involves ensuring that the prepared samples are stored correctly to maintain their integrity until testing occurs. It is also important to document the preparation process and any relevant details about the sample collection and handling. The expected recovery from this procedure is immediate, as it is primarily a preparatory step rather than an invasive procedure. Additional considerations may include following up on the results of the drug analysis and ensuring that any necessary actions are taken based on the findings.

Short Descr DRUG ANALYSIS TISSUE PREP
Medium Descr TISSUE PREPARATION DRUG ANALYSIS
Long Descr Tissue preparation for drug analysis
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology)
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 80300, 80301, 80302, 80303, 80304
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
Code
Description
Code
Description
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