CPT® Code 82938

The CPT® Code 82938 refers to a specific laboratory test known as the gastrin after secretin stimulation test. This test is designed to measure the levels of gastrin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the digestive process. Gastrin is produced by G-cells located in the gastric mucosa, which is the lining of the stomach. The secretion of gastrin is primarily stimulated by the presence of food in the stomach, leading to the release of gastric acid, which is essential for digestion. Additionally, gastrin influences other digestive organs; it prompts the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, stimulates the liver to produce bile, and enhances intestinal motility, thereby facilitating the digestive process. The gastrin after secretin stimulation test is particularly valuable in diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions. It is often utilized to identify tumors located in the pancreas and small intestine, a condition known as G-cell hyperplasia, pernicious anemia, and to investigate the underlying causes of recurrent peptic ulcers. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is performed at the time of secretin injection and subsequently at intervals of 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes post-injection. The serum collected is then analyzed using a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay, a sensitive method that allows for precise measurement of gastrin levels in the blood.