CPT® Code 80172

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The CPT® Code 80172 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of gold in the blood, which is also known as gold sodium thiomalate. This substance is classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and is commonly used in the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and certain types of arthritis that may present with an enlarged spleen and elevated white blood cell counts. The test involves obtaining a blood sample through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is a separate reportable service. Once the blood sample is collected, the serum is analyzed using a technique called graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, a highly sensitive method that allows for precise measurement of trace elements like gold in the serum. This test is crucial for monitoring the therapeutic levels of gold in patients undergoing treatment with this medication, ensuring that the drug is effective while minimizing potential toxicity.