CPT® Code 82247

The CPT® Code 82247 refers to a laboratory test that measures the total bilirubin levels in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). When RBCs are destroyed, hemoglobin is released and subsequently broken down into bilirubin. This process results in the formation of two types of bilirubin: unconjugated (or indirect) bilirubin, which is not water-soluble, and conjugated (or direct) bilirubin, which is water-soluble. Unconjugated bilirubin is transported to the liver bound to albumin, where it undergoes a transformation to become conjugated by attaching to sugar molecules. This conjugated bilirubin can then be excreted from the liver into the small intestine, where it is further processed and ultimately eliminated from the body in feces as stercobilin. The total bilirubin measurement encompasses both the conjugated and unconjugated forms, providing a comprehensive overview of bilirubin levels in the body. This test is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, including liver disorders, hemolytic anemia, and physiologic jaundice in newborns. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture or heel stick, and in some cases, other body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid may also be analyzed for total bilirubin. The analysis is conducted using quantitative spectrophotometry, a method that quantifies the concentration of bilirubin in the serum or plasma.