CPT® Code 80351

A laboratory test designated by CPT® Code 80351 is utilized to measure the presence of synthetic cannabinoids in biological samples such as urine, saliva, or blood. Synthetic cannabinoids are chemically engineered substances that mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Commonly known as 'spice' or 'K2,' these substances are often marketed under various names, including 'herbal incense,' 'potpourri,' or 'legal' marijuana. Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids are designed to interact with the same receptors in the central nervous system as THC, leading to similar psychoactive effects. However, they are associated with a higher risk of adverse reactions, including anxiety, agitation, and hallucinations. These designer drugs are categorized into three main classes: classical cannabinoids (such as HU-210), cyclohexylphenols, and aminoalkylindoles. The chemical structures of synthetic cannabinoids are frequently altered to evade detection in standard drug tests, making them a challenge for accurate identification. 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: a blood sample is obtained through a separately reportable venipuncture, a urine sample can be collected via random void or catheterization, and saliva is gathered using a swab or in a sample cup. The testing methodologies employed include liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for blood and saliva samples, while urine samples are initially screened using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and subsequently confirmed with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For coding purposes, CPT® Code 80350 is applicable for testing 1-3 synthetic cannabinoids, while CPT® Code 80351 is specifically designated for the analysis of 4-6 synthetic cannabinoid compounds, and CPT® Code 80352 is used when testing for 7 or more synthetic cannabinoids.