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Official Description

Prostaglandin, each

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Prostaglandins are a group of bioactive lipids that function as autocrine and paracrine hormones, meaning they act locally within the tissues where they are produced. They are synthesized from essential fatty acids and play a crucial role in various physiological processes throughout the body. Prostaglandins are involved in the activation of the inflammatory response, which is a key component of the body's defense mechanism against injury and infection. They can also induce pain and fever, serving as mediators in the body's response to harmful stimuli. Additionally, prostaglandins are known to facilitate platelet aggregation, which is essential for blood clot formation, thereby playing a significant role in hemostasis. In pregnant women, certain prostaglandins are responsible for inducing labor by stimulating uterine contractions. Furthermore, they have a regulatory effect on the gastrointestinal system by inhibiting gastric acid secretion and increasing mucus production, which protects the stomach lining. Prostaglandins also enhance renal blood flow, contributing to kidney function, and can cause bronchoconstriction, affecting respiratory function. Among the various types of prostaglandins, three notable ones include Prostacyclin I2, Prostaglandin E2, and Prostaglandin F2 alpha, each with distinct biological activities and implications in health and disease.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Prostaglandin testing is typically indicated for various clinical scenarios where the assessment of prostaglandin levels can provide valuable insights into a patient's health status. The following are common indications for the measurement of prostaglandins:

  • Inflammatory Conditions Prostaglandins are key mediators in the inflammatory response, and their levels may be evaluated in conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Pain Management Since prostaglandins are involved in the sensation of pain, measuring their levels can be relevant in the context of chronic pain syndromes.
  • Pregnancy Monitoring Prostaglandins play a role in labor induction; therefore, their measurement may be indicated in monitoring pregnancy and assessing labor readiness.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders Conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as peptic ulcers, may warrant prostaglandin level assessment due to their role in gastric acid secretion and mucosal protection.
  • Cardiovascular Health Prostaglandins, particularly Prostacyclin, are involved in vascular function, and their levels may be evaluated in cardiovascular diseases.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring prostaglandin levels involves several key steps to ensure accurate and reliable results. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection Blood or tissue samples are collected from the patient, depending on the specific prostaglandin being measured. Proper collection techniques must be followed to avoid contamination and ensure sample integrity.
  • Step 2: Sample Preparation The collected samples are processed to isolate the prostaglandins. This may involve centrifugation and the use of specific reagents to stabilize the prostaglandins for analysis.
  • Step 3: Analytical Method Various analytical techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or mass spectrometry, are employed to quantify the levels of prostaglandins in the prepared samples. The choice of method depends on the laboratory's capabilities and the specific prostaglandin being tested.
  • Step 4: Data Interpretation Once the analysis is complete, the results are interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical condition. This interpretation is crucial for determining the significance of the prostaglandin levels in relation to the patient's health.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may be monitored for any immediate reactions, especially if the sample collection involved invasive techniques. It is essential to provide patients with appropriate post-procedure care instructions, which may include advice on hydration and activity levels. The results of the prostaglandin measurement will typically be reviewed by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the results.

Short Descr ASSAY OF PROSTAGLANDIN
Medium Descr ASSAY OF PROSTAGLNDIN EACH
Long Descr Prostaglandin, each
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 2
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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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