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Official Description

Aluminum

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82108 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of aluminum in the blood. This test is crucial for monitoring patients who may be at risk for aluminum toxicity, which can occur due to various factors including certain diseases or environmental exposures. Aluminum, a member of the boron group of chemical elements, can enter the body through dietary sources, nutritional supplements, and medications. In particular, individuals with chronic kidney disease are at a heightened risk for accumulating toxic levels of aluminum, as their ability to excrete this metal may be compromised. Symptoms associated with aluminum toxicity can be severe and include neurological issues such as encephalopathy, bone disorders like osteomalacia and aplastic bone disease, cardiovascular irregularities including arrhythmias, and hematological conditions such as microcytic anemia. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The collected blood serum is then analyzed using a sophisticated technique called quantitative inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which allows for precise measurement of aluminum concentrations in the sample.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The aluminum blood test (CPT® Code 82108) is indicated for the following conditions and circumstances:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease - Patients with chronic kidney disease are at increased risk for aluminum accumulation due to impaired renal excretion.
  • Environmental Exposure - Individuals who have been exposed to aluminum through environmental sources may require monitoring for potential toxicity.
  • Symptoms of Toxicity - Patients exhibiting symptoms such as encephalopathy, osteomalacia, aplastic bone disease, cardiac changes or arrhythmias, and microcytic anemia may be tested to assess aluminum levels.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the aluminum blood test involves several key steps, which are outlined below:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the test, the patient may be advised to avoid certain medications or supplements that could affect aluminum levels. It is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately informed about the procedure and any necessary preparations.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture - A trained healthcare professional performs a venipuncture to obtain a blood sample. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw blood. The procedure is performed using sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 3: Sample Collection - The blood collected during the venipuncture is placed into a suitable container, often a serum separator tube, to allow for proper processing and analysis.
  • Step 4: Serum Preparation - After collection, the blood sample is allowed to clot, and then it is centrifuged to separate the serum from the cellular components. The serum is the portion of the blood that will be tested for aluminum levels.
  • Step 5: Laboratory Analysis - The serum is analyzed using quantitative inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This advanced technique provides precise measurements of aluminum concentrations, allowing for accurate assessment of potential toxicity.

3. Post-Procedure

After the aluminum blood test is completed, the patient may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the venipuncture, such as bleeding or discomfort at the site. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. However, it is important for healthcare providers to discuss the results with the patient once they are available, as elevated aluminum levels may necessitate further evaluation or intervention based on the clinical context and symptoms presented.

Short Descr ASSAY OF ALUMINUM
Medium Descr ASSAY OF ALUMINUM
Long Descr Aluminum
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) No
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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
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.
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
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