CPT® Code 82805

Gases, blood, any combination of pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3 (including calculated O2 saturation); with O2 saturation, by direct measurement, except pulse oximetry

The CPT® Code 82805 refers to a laboratory test that measures various components of blood gases, specifically assessing the homeostatic acid-base balance in the body. This test evaluates blood pH, which indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood, providing insight into the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. Additionally, it measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), which reflects the efficiency of the lungs in expelling carbon dioxide from the body. The partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) is also measured, indicating the level of oxygen dissolved in the blood and the effectiveness of oxygen exchange in the alveoli of the lungs. Furthermore, bicarbonate (HCO3) is included in this test, which is calculated based on the pH and pCO2 values, representing the metabolic aspect of acid-base balance and the kidneys' response to changes in blood pH. Oxygen saturation (O2 Sat) is another critical component measured directly, providing a precise percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, which is particularly important in critically ill patients who may be at risk for tissue hypoxia. The direct measurement of O2 Sat is performed using a blood gas analyzer equipped with CO-oximetry, ensuring accuracy in the results. Blood gas monitoring is essential for evaluating lung function, detecting acid-base imbalances, monitoring various disorders related to metabolism, respiration, and kidney function, as well as assessing the effectiveness of ongoing treatments. To perform this test, a blood sample is obtained through methods such as venipuncture, heel stick, arterial draw, or umbilical cord draw, which are separately reportable procedures.