CPT® Code 80198

The CPT® Code 80198 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of theophylline in the blood. Theophylline is a medication that is commonly used in the management of respiratory conditions. It is known by various names, including Aminophylline, Uniphyl, and Elixophylline. This medication can be administered through oral or intravenous routes and functions primarily by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and chest. This relaxation helps to reduce the reactivity of these muscles to allergens and bronchospasm, which is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from conditions such as acute bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. Additionally, theophylline may be utilized in neonatal care to address apnea in newborns. The process of obtaining a blood sample for this test involves a venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. Once the blood sample is collected, the serum is analyzed using a technique known as reflectance spectrophotometry, which allows for accurate measurement of theophylline levels in the bloodstream.