CPT® Code 84220

The CPT® Code 84220 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of pyruvate kinase, an important enzyme that plays a critical role in the metabolic pathway known as glycolysis. This enzyme is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy within the body's cells. A deficiency in pyruvate kinase can result from a genetic defect, which can significantly impact the body's ability to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, a process known as gluconeogenesis. This deficiency is particularly relevant in erythrocytes, or red blood cells, where it can lead to hemolytic anemia, a condition characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells. The test is performed on a blood sample that is obtained through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The analysis of the blood sample is conducted using a quantitative enzymatic method, allowing for precise measurement of pyruvate kinase levels in the bloodstream.