CPT® Code 83634

Deleted

The CPT® Code 83634 refers to a laboratory test that quantitatively measures the amount of lactose present in urine. Lactose is a type of sugar, specifically a disaccharide, that is primarily found in milk and dairy products. In the human body, lactose is typically broken down into two simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, by the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine. The presence of lactose in urine, known as lactosuria, can occur under various physiological conditions. For instance, it may be a normal finding during late pregnancy or lactation, particularly when the flow of milk is obstructed. Additionally, lactosuria can be observed in newborn infants as a temporary condition that does not present gastrointestinal symptoms. The underlying cause of lactosuria is often linked to lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by the impaired ability to digest lactose due to insufficient lactase production. This results in lactose passing through the digestive system without being broken down, leading to its absorption into the bloodstream and subsequent excretion in urine. To perform the test, a urine sample is collected, which can be obtained either through random voiding or catheterization. The qualitative assessment of lactose can be conducted using CPT® Code 83633, while the quantitative measurement, which is the focus of CPT® Code 83634, may necessitate a timed urine specimen collection. The analysis of the urine sample is typically carried out using chromatography, a method that separates and quantifies the components of the urine, allowing for an accurate measurement of lactose levels.