Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Glucose, body fluid, other than blood

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82945 refers to the testing of glucose levels in body fluids other than blood. This procedure involves the analysis of various types of body fluids, which may include pericardial fluid (the fluid surrounding the heart), peritoneal fluid (the fluid within the abdominal cavity), pleural fluid (the fluid between the layers of the pleura surrounding the lungs), and synovial fluid (the fluid found in joint cavities). The primary purpose of this test is to measure glucose concentration, which can provide valuable diagnostic information. A decreased glucose concentration in these fluids is often indicative of underlying septic or inflammatory processes. For instance, in cases of pleural effusion, low glucose levels may suggest conditions such as empyema (a collection of pus in the pleural cavity), tuberculosis, malignant neoplasms, or rheumatoid effusions. The collection of these body fluids is performed through specific procedures, which are separately reportable, including pericardiocentesis, thoracentesis, peritoneocentesis, or aspiration of synovial fluid. The analysis of the collected body fluid for glucose is typically conducted using enzymatic methodologies, ensuring accurate measurement and assessment of glucose levels in the sample.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 82945 is indicated for the evaluation of glucose levels in various body fluids, which can provide critical insights into a patient's health status. The following conditions or symptoms may warrant this testing:

  • Pericardial Effusion - The presence of fluid around the heart may necessitate glucose testing to assess for potential inflammatory or infectious processes.
  • Peritoneal Effusion - Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity can be evaluated for glucose levels to help diagnose conditions such as infections or malignancies.
  • Pleural Effusion - Fluid in the pleural space may be tested to determine the cause of the effusion, particularly in cases of suspected empyema, tuberculosis, or malignancy.
  • Joint Disorders - In cases of joint swelling or pain, synovial fluid may be analyzed for glucose levels to assist in diagnosing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint diseases.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing glucose in body fluids involves several key steps, each critical for ensuring accurate results. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Collection of Body Fluid - The first step involves the collection of the specific body fluid that is to be tested for glucose. This is done through various procedures depending on the location of the fluid. For instance, pericardiocentesis is performed to collect pericardial fluid, thoracentesis for pleural fluid, peritoneocentesis for peritoneal fluid, and aspiration for synovial fluid. Each of these procedures requires careful technique to avoid complications and ensure that an adequate sample is obtained.
  • Step 2: Transport and Handling of Specimen - Once the body fluid is collected, it must be properly transported to the laboratory for analysis. This involves placing the specimen in appropriate containers and ensuring that it is handled in a manner that preserves its integrity. Timely transport is crucial, as delays can affect glucose levels due to cellular metabolism.
  • Step 3: Testing Methodology - The glucose concentration in the collected body fluid is then measured using enzymatic methodology. This method typically involves the use of specific reagents that react with glucose to produce a measurable signal, allowing for accurate quantification of glucose levels in the sample.

3. Post-Procedure

After the glucose testing procedure is completed, the results are analyzed and interpreted by healthcare professionals. Depending on the findings, further diagnostic steps may be recommended. If the glucose levels are found to be low, additional investigations may be warranted to determine the underlying cause, such as infection or malignancy. It is also important to monitor the patient for any potential complications arising from the fluid collection procedures, such as infection or bleeding. Follow-up care may include additional imaging studies or consultations with specialists based on the results of the glucose testing and the clinical context.

Short Descr GLUCOSE OTHER FLUID
Medium Descr GLUCOSE BODY FLUID OTHER THAN BLOOD
Long Descr Glucose, body fluid, other than blood
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) T1E - Lab tests - glucose
MUE 4
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.
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.
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
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.
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"