CPT® Code 84550

The CPT® Code 84550 refers to a laboratory test that measures the concentration of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that results from the natural breakdown of purines, which are substances found in various foods and are also produced by the body. Under normal circumstances, uric acid is filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys and eliminated from the body through urine. However, when the levels of uric acid in the blood become elevated, it can indicate various health issues. Conditions such as kidney disease, certain types of cancer and their treatments, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, lead poisoning, and hormonal imbalances involving the thyroid or parathyroid glands can lead to increased uric acid levels. Conversely, decreased levels of uric acid may be observed in conditions such as Wilson's disease, inadequate dietary protein intake, and the use of specific medications. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into a vein to collect blood. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using quantitative spectrophotometry, a method that measures the amount of uric acid present in the sample.