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Official Description

Albumin; other source, quantitative, each specimen

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82042 refers to a laboratory test that quantifies the amount of albumin present in body fluids other than blood or urine. Albumin is a vital plasma protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the colloidal osmotic pressure of blood, which is essential for proper fluid balance within the body. This protein has the ability to bind various substances, including water, electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, as well as fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin, and certain medications. The measurement of albumin levels is significant in clinical practice as it provides valuable insights into a patient's nutritional status and renal function. To perform this test, a sample of the relevant body fluid is collected and analyzed using quantitative methods such as nephelometry or spectrophotometry, which allow for precise measurement of albumin concentration. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that may affect albumin levels, thereby aiding in the overall assessment of a patient's health status.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The test coded as CPT® 82042 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where the assessment of albumin levels in body fluids other than blood or urine is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this test:

  • Assessment of Nutritional Status This test helps evaluate a patient's nutritional health, particularly in cases of malnutrition or conditions that affect protein synthesis.
  • Evaluation of Renal Function Albumin levels can provide insights into kidney function, especially in patients with suspected renal impairment or disease.
  • Monitoring of Disease Progression The test may be used to monitor changes in albumin levels over time in patients with chronic diseases that affect protein levels.
  • Diagnosis of Specific Conditions Conditions such as liver disease, inflammatory disorders, and certain malignancies may require albumin level assessment for diagnosis and management.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing the test associated with CPT® 82042 involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of albumin levels in the collected body fluid sample. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection A sample of the relevant body fluid, which may include pleural fluid, ascitic fluid, or other non-blood specimens, is obtained using appropriate sterile techniques to prevent contamination. The method of collection will depend on the specific fluid type being tested.
  • Step 2: Sample Preparation Once collected, the sample is prepared for analysis. This may involve centrifugation or other processing methods to separate the albumin from other components in the fluid, ensuring that the measurement reflects only the albumin concentration.
  • Step 3: Quantitative Analysis The prepared sample is then subjected to quantitative analysis using either nephelometry or spectrophotometry. Nephelometry measures the light scattered by the albumin particles in the sample, while spectrophotometry measures the absorbance of light at specific wavelengths, both of which provide a quantitative value for albumin concentration.
  • Step 4: Result Interpretation After the analysis is complete, the results are interpreted by laboratory personnel or healthcare providers. The albumin concentration is reported, and any necessary follow-up actions or additional testing may be recommended based on the findings.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for the test coded as CPT® 82042 typically involves minimal intervention, as the test is performed on a body fluid sample rather than requiring any invasive procedures. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the albumin test. Depending on the findings, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be necessary to address any underlying conditions indicated by abnormal albumin levels. It is also important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient's overall health and nutritional status, especially if the test results suggest potential issues related to renal function or protein metabolism.

Short Descr OTHER SOURCE ALBUMIN QUAN EA
Medium Descr OTHER SOURCE ALBUMIN QUANTITATIVE EACH SPECIMEN
Long Descr Albumin; other source, quantitative, each specimen
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
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
CLIA Waived (QW) Yes
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 200 - Nonoperative urinary system measurements
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
QW Clia waived test
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2018-01-01 Changed Long medium and short descriptions changed.
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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