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Official Description

Sulfate, urine

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84392 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of sulfate in urine. This test is significant as it provides insights into an individual's dietary protein intake and overall nutritional status. Sulfate levels in urine are influenced by the consumption of protein, particularly from animal sources such as meat, fish, and poultry, which are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine. When an individual consumes a high amount of animal protein, it can lead to increased excretion of sulfur and calcium in the urine. This elevated excretion may raise the risk of developing renal calculi, commonly known as kidney stones. Additionally, urine sulfates play a crucial role in the body's buffering system and in the exchange of hydrogen ions, which helps to regulate the supersaturation of uric acid in the urine. The test typically involves collecting urine over a 24-hour period, followed by analysis using quantitative spectrophotometry to accurately measure sulfate concentrations.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The urine sulfate test (CPT® Code 84392) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Assessment of Protein Intake This test helps evaluate an individual's dietary protein consumption, particularly from animal sources.
  • Nutritional Status Evaluation It provides insights into the overall nutritional health of an individual, particularly in relation to sulfur-containing amino acids.
  • Risk Assessment for Kidney Stones The test can be used to assess the risk of renal calculi formation due to high levels of sulfur and calcium excretion in the urine.
  • Monitoring of Uric Acid Supersaturation It aids in understanding the buffering capacity of urine and the regulation of uric acid levels, which is important for preventing gout and related conditions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the urine sulfate test involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of sulfate levels.

  • 24-Hour Urine Collection The first step is to collect urine over a 24-hour period. Patients are instructed to collect all urine produced during this time, which is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive assessment of sulfate excretion.
  • Sample Preparation After the collection period, the urine sample is prepared for analysis. This may involve mixing the sample to ensure homogeneity and possibly adjusting the pH if necessary.
  • Quantitative Spectrophotometry The prepared urine sample is then analyzed using quantitative spectrophotometry. This technique measures the concentration of sulfate in the urine by determining the absorbance of light at specific wavelengths, which correlates with sulfate levels.
  • Result Interpretation Once the analysis is complete, the results are interpreted by healthcare professionals. The sulfate concentration is compared against established reference ranges to assess the individual's protein intake and nutritional status.

3. Post-Procedure

After the urine sulfate test is completed, patients may resume their normal activities. There are typically no specific post-procedure care instructions required. However, healthcare providers may discuss the results with the patient, including any necessary dietary adjustments or further testing if elevated sulfate levels are detected. It is important for patients to follow any additional recommendations provided by their healthcare provider based on the test results.

Short Descr ASSAY OF URINE SULFATE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF SULFATE URINE
Long Descr Sulfate, urine
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
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Description
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