CPT® Code 84490

The CPT® Code 84490 refers to a laboratory test that quantitatively measures the levels of trypsin in feces collected over a 24-hour period. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme produced by the pancreas, initially synthesized as an inactive precursor known as trypsinogen. This inactive form is secreted into the duodenum, where it is activated by the enzyme enteropeptidase. Once activated, trypsin plays a crucial role in the digestion of proteins by hydrolyzing them into smaller peptides and amino acids, which are then absorbed by the body. The measurement of fecal trypsin levels is significant for assessing exocrine pancreatic function. A decrease in trypsin levels in stool samples can indicate insufficient production by the pancreas, often associated with conditions such as chronic pancreatitis. Additionally, this test is particularly important in the evaluation of symptomatic newborns and infants for cystic fibrosis, as the disease can lead to the formation of mucous plugs in the pancreatic ducts, obstructing the secretion of trypsinogen into the small intestine. The quantitative nature of this test, as denoted by code 84490, allows for a more precise assessment of pancreatic function compared to semi-quantitative tests, such as those represented by CPT® Code 84488, which involves random stool specimens.