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-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD); quantitative

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a crucial enzyme that plays a significant role in the metabolic processes of red blood cells. It is essential for the proper functioning of the pentose phosphate pathway, which is vital for generating NADPH, a molecule that helps protect red blood cells from oxidative damage. A deficiency in G6PD can arise from genetic mutations located on the X chromosome, leading to a decreased level of this enzyme in the body. This deficiency can result in the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, a condition known as hemolysis. In particular, neonates with G6PD deficiency may experience prolonged neonatal jaundice due to the increased destruction of red blood cells. Furthermore, individuals with G6PD deficiency are at risk of developing non-immune hemolytic anemia and may experience hemolytic crises triggered by various factors, including infections, certain foods such as fava beans, exposure to specific chemicals, or the use of certain medications. The CPT® Code 82955 specifically refers to the quantitative measurement of G6PD levels in the blood, which is performed by obtaining a blood sample and analyzing it using quantitative enzymatic methodology. This test is distinct from the screening test indicated by CPT® Code 82960, which utilizes the Beutler fluorescent spot test to detect the presence of G6PD in the blood.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The quantitative measurement of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is indicated for several clinical scenarios, particularly in patients who may be at risk for G6PD deficiency. The following conditions and symptoms warrant this procedure:

  • Prolonged Neonatal Jaundice - Newborns exhibiting jaundice that persists beyond the typical duration may be evaluated for G6PD deficiency, as this condition can lead to increased hemolysis.
  • Non-Immune Hemolytic Anemia - Patients presenting with symptoms of hemolytic anemia, such as fatigue, pallor, and elevated bilirubin levels, may require G6PD testing to determine if a deficiency is contributing to their condition.
  • History of Hemolytic Crises - Individuals with a known history of hemolytic crises, particularly in response to infections, certain foods, or medications, should be tested for G6PD deficiency to guide management and prevent future episodes.
  • Family History of G6PD Deficiency - Patients with a family history of G6PD deficiency may be screened to assess their risk and inform potential treatment options.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) quantitatively involves several key steps, which are outlined below:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the blood draw, the patient may be advised to avoid certain medications, foods, or activities that could affect the test results. It is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately informed about the procedure and any necessary preparations.
  • Step 2: Blood Sample Collection - A qualified healthcare professional will obtain a blood sample from the patient, typically via venipuncture. The blood is collected into a suitable container that preserves the integrity of the sample for enzymatic analysis.
  • Step 3: Laboratory Analysis - The collected blood sample is sent to a laboratory where it undergoes quantitative enzymatic testing to measure the level of G6PD. This analysis involves specific biochemical techniques that accurately quantify the enzyme's activity in the sample.
  • Step 4: Result Interpretation - Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory will provide a report detailing the G6PD levels. Healthcare providers will interpret these results in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and history.

3. Post-Procedure

After the G6PD quantitative test is performed, there are several considerations for post-procedure care and follow-up. Patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the site of the blood draw, which typically resolves quickly. It is important for healthcare providers to discuss the results with the patient, especially if the G6PD levels are found to be low, as this may necessitate further evaluation or management strategies to prevent hemolytic episodes. Patients should also be educated about the implications of G6PD deficiency, including potential triggers for hemolysis, such as certain foods, medications, and infections. Regular follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor the patient's condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

Short Descr ASSAY OF G6PD ENZYME
Medium Descr GLUC-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE QUANTITATIVE
Long Descr Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD); quantitative
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.
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
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
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.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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"