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Official Description

Citrate

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82507 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of citrate, which is also known as citric acid, in either blood or urine samples. Citrate is a key component in the metabolic processes of the body, playing a significant role in energy production and the citric acid cycle, which is essential for cellular respiration. The measurement of citrate levels is particularly important in the context of nephrolithiasis, a condition characterized by the formation of kidney stones. Elevated or decreased citrate levels can provide valuable insights into the underlying metabolic conditions that may contribute to stone formation. For the test, a blood sample is typically obtained through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is a separate and reportable service. In addition to blood testing, urine samples can be collected either over a 24-hour period or as a single random sample, depending on the clinical requirements. The analysis of serum citrate levels is performed using spectrophotometry or enzymatic methodologies, which are standard laboratory techniques for quantifying biochemical substances. Urine citrate levels are assessed using quantitative enzymatic methodology, ensuring accurate measurement of citrate concentration in the urine. This comprehensive approach to testing allows healthcare providers to evaluate metabolic function and diagnose potential disorders related to citrate metabolism.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The measurement of citrate levels is indicated for various clinical scenarios, particularly in the evaluation of metabolic conditions and kidney health. The following are specific indications for performing the citrate test:

  • Nephrolithiasis Evaluation Citrate levels in urine are useful in assessing the risk of kidney stone formation, as abnormal citrate levels can contribute to the development of calcium-based stones.
  • Metabolic Disorders The test may be indicated in the investigation of metabolic disorders that affect citrate metabolism, providing insights into the body's metabolic state.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring citrate levels involves several key steps, ensuring accurate collection and analysis of the samples. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection Blood is collected through venipuncture, where a needle is inserted into a vein to obtain a blood sample. This step is crucial as it provides the serum needed for testing. For urine testing, a 24-hour urine collection may be performed, where the patient collects all urine produced over a 24-hour period, or a single random urine sample may be submitted, depending on the clinical requirements.
  • Step 2: Sample Processing Once the blood and urine samples are collected, they are processed in the laboratory. The serum is separated from the blood cells, and both serum and urine samples are prepared for analysis. This may involve centrifugation and other laboratory techniques to ensure the samples are suitable for testing.
  • Step 3: Testing Methodology The serum citrate levels are analyzed using spectrophotometry or enzymatic methodology, which are reliable techniques for quantifying biochemical substances. For urine samples, quantitative enzymatic methodology is employed to accurately measure the citrate concentration. These methodologies ensure that the results are precise and can be interpreted correctly by healthcare providers.

3. Post-Procedure

After the citrate test is performed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for patients, as the blood draw and urine collection are minimally invasive. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the venipuncture. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to review the test results in conjunction with the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings to determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the citrate levels measured.

Short Descr ASSAY OF CITRATE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF CITRATE
Long Descr Citrate
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.
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
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GN Services delivered under an outpatient speech language pathology plan of care
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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