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Official Description

Gastrin

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82941 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of gastrin in the blood. Gastrin is a crucial hormone that is produced by G-cells located in the gastric mucosa, which is the lining of the stomach. The primary function of gastrin is to stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, which is essential for the digestion of food. The release of gastrin is typically triggered by the ingestion of food, as the presence of food in the stomach signals the need for increased gastric acid production to aid in digestion. In addition to its role in gastric acid secretion, gastrin also has secondary effects on other digestive organs; it mildly stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, prompts the liver to secrete bile, and enhances intestinal motility, thereby facilitating the overall digestive process. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay, a sensitive and specific method for measuring hormone levels in the bloodstream.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The gastrin test (CPT® Code 82941) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where the measurement of gastrin levels is necessary to assess gastric function or diagnose specific conditions. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this test:

  • Evaluation of Gastric Acid Secretion This test is often utilized to evaluate the gastric acid secretion levels in patients, particularly in cases where conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are suspected.
  • Diagnosis of Gastric Disorders It aids in diagnosing gastric disorders, including gastritis and peptic ulcers, by providing insight into the hormonal regulation of gastric acid production.
  • Monitoring Treatment The gastrin test may be used to monitor patients undergoing treatment for conditions affecting gastrin levels or gastric acid secretion.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining gastrin levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement and analysis. The following procedural steps are explicitly outlined:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the blood draw, the patient may need to follow specific preparation guidelines, such as fasting, to ensure accurate gastrin level readings. It is essential to confirm any pre-test instructions with the healthcare provider.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture A qualified healthcare professional performs venipuncture to obtain a blood sample. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw the necessary volume of blood for testing. The procedure is performed using sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 3: Serum Separation After the blood sample is collected, it is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is typically done by centrifugation, which spins the sample at high speeds to separate the liquid serum from the blood cells.
  • Step 4: Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay The serum is then subjected to a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay, a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect and quantify the levels of gastrin in the serum. This method is known for its sensitivity and specificity, providing accurate results for gastrin measurement.

3. Post-Procedure

After the gastrin test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for patients to remain hydrated and to follow any additional instructions provided by their healthcare provider. The results of the gastrin test will typically be reviewed by the physician, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture and may recommend further diagnostic steps or treatment based on the results.

Short Descr ASSAY OF GASTRIN
Medium Descr ASSAY OF GASTRIN
Long Descr Gastrin
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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Description
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Description
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