CPT® Code 80322

The CPT® Code 80322 refers to a laboratory test that measures alcohol biomarkers in various biological samples, including serum, plasma, urine, saliva, or hair. This test is designed to detect the presence of specific biomarkers that indicate alcohol exposure or ingestion. The biomarkers included in this test are carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), ethyl sulfate (EtS), ethyl glucuronide (EtG), and phosphatidylethanol (PEth). Each of these biomarkers serves a unique purpose in assessing alcohol consumption patterns. For instance, CDT is particularly useful for identifying chronic alcoholism, as it reflects changes in the glycosylation pattern of transferrin due to prolonged alcohol intake. In contrast, FAEE levels can help distinguish between chronic alcohol abuse and binge drinking episodes. The combination of EtS and EtG testing enhances the sensitivity of detecting recent alcohol consumption, while PEth is valuable for identifying binge or prolonged drinking, as it is less sensitive to incidental alcohol exposure. Overall, the test coded as 80322 is crucial for monitoring alcohol use and can provide insights into an individual's drinking behavior over time.