CPT® Code 82638

The CPT® Code 82638 refers to the dibucaine number (DN) test, which is a specific blood test designed to measure the activity of the enzyme pseudocholinesterase (PChE) in the presence of the drug dibucaine. The dibucaine number is expressed as a percentage, indicating the extent to which the activity of PChE is inhibited by dibucaine. This test is particularly important for identifying individuals who have a deficiency in pseudocholinesterase, a condition that can lead to an increased risk of prolonged paralysis when succinylcholine, a neuromuscular blocking agent, is administered during surgical procedures or other medical interventions. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through a venipuncture, which is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into a vein to collect blood. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a quantitative enzymatic methodology to determine the dibucaine number accurately. This information is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the risk of adverse reactions to certain anesthetic agents and to make informed decisions regarding patient management during anesthesia.