CPT® Code 82075

The CPT® Code 82075 refers to the procedure for measuring alcohol (ethanol) levels in breath samples. Ethanol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, and its levels are often assessed to document prior consumption or administration of the substance. The breath test associated with this code is specifically designed to measure the concentration of exhaled alcohol, which can provide an indication of blood alcohol content (BAC). This correlation is possible because ethanol, once absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, is not digested or chemically altered in the bloodstream. Instead, it diffuses from the pulmonary arterial blood into the alveoli of the lungs, where it can be measured. Various methods can be employed to determine the alcohol concentration in the alveoli, including chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, or the use of fuel cell technology. This procedure is distinct from other testing methods, such as those described in CPT® Code 82077, which involves testing other types of specimens like saliva, blood, or vitreous humor for alcohol levels using different techniques, including immunoassay and enzymatic methods.