CPT® Code 80352

A laboratory test designated by CPT® Code 80352 is utilized to measure the presence of 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, by interacting with the same receptors in the central nervous system. Commonly known designer drugs, such as 'spice' and 'K2,' fall under this category and may also be marketed under various names like 'herbal incense,' 'potpourri,' or 'legal' marijuana. These substances are engineered with ever-evolving chemical structures to evade detection in standard drug tests, making them a significant concern in substance abuse and toxicology. Unlike traditional marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids are not detectable through immunoassay tests designed for THC. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, a urine sample via random void or catheterization, and a saliva sample collected through swabbing or using a sample cup. The analytical methods employed for testing 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. This specific code, 80352, is applicable when testing for seven or more synthetic cannabinoids, distinguishing it from codes 80350 and 80351, which are used for testing fewer compounds.