CPT® Code 80364

The CPT® Code 80364 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence of five or more opioids and opiate analogs in biological samples such as meconium stool, urine, serum, or plasma. Opioids and opiate analogs are a class of substances that include both naturally occurring opiates, such as codeine, morphine, and thebaine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, buprenorphine, meperidine, methadone, propoxyphene, tapentadol, and tramadol. These substances share a similar chemical structure and pharmacological effects, primarily acting as narcotic analgesics and central nervous system depressants. Clinically, they are prescribed to manage moderate to severe acute or chronic pain. However, due to their effects on the brain's pleasure centers, they can also induce a euphoric state, which may lead to potential abuse by recreational drug users. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, a urine sample via random void or catheterization, and collecting meconium stool from a diaper. The analysis of serum, plasma, urine, and stool is conducted using quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, a sophisticated technique that allows for precise measurement of these substances. It is important to note that CPT® Code 80362 is applicable for testing one or two opioids/opiate analogs, while CPT® Code 80363 is designated for three or four, and CPT® Code 80364 is specifically utilized when evaluating a sample for five or more opioids/opiate analogs.