CPT® Code 82239

The CPT® Code 82239 refers to a laboratory test that measures the total bile acids present in a sample. Bile acids are essential components of bile, which is a complex digestive fluid produced by the liver. This fluid consists of various substances, including water, electrolytes, cholesterol, phospholipids, and bilirubin. Bile acids play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins, facilitating their breakdown and assimilation in the intestines. Additionally, bile acids act as hormones that are involved in the metabolism of cholesterol, influencing its synthesis and degradation within the body. Elevated serum levels of total bile acids can indicate liver dysfunction, particularly in conditions such as chronic hepatitis or inactive hepatitis, where the liver's ability to process and excrete bile acids is compromised. For accurate results, it is important that the patient undergoes a fasting period of at least 8 hours prior to the blood draw, which is performed through a venipuncture. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a quantitative enzymatic method to determine the concentration of total bile acids.