CPT® Code 84078

The CPT® Code 84078 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of heat stable alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in a blood sample. Alkaline phosphatase is an important hydrolase enzyme that plays a critical role in the removal of phosphate groups from various molecules. This enzyme is predominantly found in several tissues, including the liver, bile ducts, kidneys, bones, and placenta. The measurement of alkaline phosphatase levels is significant in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. Elevated levels of ALP may indicate potential health issues such as bile duct obstruction, Paget's disease, and certain types of tumors known as seminomas. Conversely, decreased levels of alkaline phosphatase can be associated with conditions such as hypophosphatasia, Wilson's disease, specific types of anemia or leukemia, and other health factors including postmenopausal estrogen therapy for osteoporosis, oral contraceptive use, cardiac surgery recovery in men, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, and certain genetic disorders in children like achondroplasia and cretinism. The test is performed on serum or plasma obtained through a venipuncture, which is a separate procedure that must be reported independently. The methodology used for this test involves quantitative enzymatic techniques, specifically designed to measure the heat stable fraction of alkaline phosphatase, which includes the placental alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme, known for its stability under heat conditions.