CPT® Code 80350

The CPT® Code 80350 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure synthetic cannabinoids in biological samples such as urine, saliva, or blood. Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the active component in marijuana. Commonly known as 'spice' or 'K2,' these substances are often marketed under various names, including 'herbal incense' and 'legal marijuana.' Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids can produce a range of psychoactive effects, including anxiety, agitation, and hallucinations, which may be more pronounced than those associated with THC. These designer drugs are categorized into three main classes: classical cannabinoids (such as HU-210), cyclohexylphenols, and aminoalkylindoles. One of the significant challenges with synthetic cannabinoids is their rapidly evolving chemical structures, which are modified to evade detection in standard drug tests. It is important to note that synthetic cannabinoids will not be identified in immunoassay tests that are typically used for THC detection. The collection of samples for testing involves specific methods: blood samples are obtained through venipuncture, urine samples can be collected via random void or catheterization, and saliva samples are gathered using a swab or in a sample cup. The testing methodologies employed include liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for blood and saliva, while urine samples are initially screened using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The use of code 80350 is appropriate when testing for 1-3 synthetic cannabinoids, whereas codes 80351 and 80352 are designated for testing 4-6 and 7 or more synthetic cannabinoids, respectively.