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Official Description

Benzodiazepines; 1-12

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 80346 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence of benzodiazepines in various biological specimens, including stool, urine, serum, or plasma. Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs that exhibit a range of effects, including sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), anti-convulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. Some benzodiazepines, particularly those that are short-acting, may also have amnesic-dissociative effects. These medications are commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions, such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and seizures. Additionally, they may be utilized in medical settings as preoperative or intra-operative anesthesia to help manage patient anxiety and sedation during surgical procedures. The test for benzodiazepines can be performed on different types of samples: blood samples are typically obtained through venipuncture, urine samples can be collected via random voiding or catheterization, and meconium stool samples may be collected from a diaper. The testing methodologies employed include quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for serum, plasma, and meconium, while urine samples are analyzed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The specific code 80346 is applicable when testing for the presence of 1 to 12 different benzodiazepines, whereas code 80347 is designated for tests identifying 13 or more benzodiazepines.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laboratory test coded as CPT® 80346 is indicated for the detection and quantification of benzodiazepines in various biological specimens. The specific indications for performing this test include:

  • Assessment of Substance Use: To evaluate potential benzodiazepine use in patients, particularly in cases of suspected misuse or dependence.
  • Monitoring Treatment: To monitor patients undergoing treatment for anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, or alcohol withdrawal, ensuring therapeutic levels are maintained.
  • Preoperative Evaluation: To assess benzodiazepine levels in patients prior to surgical procedures where sedation is required.
  • Seizure Management: To determine the presence of benzodiazepines in patients experiencing seizures, aiding in the management of their condition.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing benzodiazepines as per CPT® 80346 involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Sample Collection: The first step in the procedure is the collection of biological samples. Blood samples are obtained through venipuncture, which involves inserting a needle into a vein to draw blood. Urine samples can be collected either through random voiding, where the patient provides a sample at any time, or through catheterization, where a catheter is inserted into the bladder to collect urine. Additionally, meconium stool samples may be collected from a diaper in infants, which can provide information about drug exposure during pregnancy.
  • Sample Preparation: Once the samples are collected, they are prepared for analysis. This may involve processes such as centrifugation for blood samples to separate serum or plasma from blood cells, and appropriate handling of urine and stool samples to ensure they are suitable for testing.
  • Analytical Testing: The prepared samples are then subjected to specific analytical testing methods. For serum, plasma, and meconium samples, quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is utilized, which allows for precise measurement of benzodiazepine concentrations. Urine samples are analyzed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, a method that provides accurate quantification of the drugs present in the urine.
  • Result Interpretation: After the testing is completed, the results are interpreted to determine the presence and concentration of benzodiazepines in the samples. This information is crucial for making informed clinical decisions regarding patient care and treatment.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the collection of samples for benzodiazepine testing is generally minimal, as the primary focus is on the analysis of the samples rather than on patient recovery. However, it is important to ensure that patients are informed about the testing process and any potential implications of the results. Clinicians should discuss the findings with patients once the results are available, particularly if the test indicates the presence of benzodiazepines that may affect treatment plans or require further intervention. Additionally, appropriate follow-up may be necessary based on the results, especially in cases where benzodiazepine use is suspected to be problematic or where monitoring of therapeutic levels is required.

Short Descr BENZODIAZEPINES1-12
Medium Descr DRUG SCREENING BENZODIAZEPINES 1-12
Long Descr Benzodiazepines; 1-12
Status Code Not Valid for Medicare Purposes
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 09 - 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 Code Not Recognized by OPPS when submitted on Outpatient Hospital Part B Bill Type (12x/13x)
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
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