CPT® Code 84620

The Xylose absorption test, identified by CPT® Code 84620, is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the absorption capacity of carbohydrates from the proximal small intestine. This test involves the analysis of both blood and urine samples to measure the levels of xylose, a simple sugar that is absorbed in the intestines. The procedure begins with the patient fasting, followed by the collection of a fasting serum sample. Subsequently, a dose of xylose, either 5 grams or 25 grams, is administered to the patient, with the specific dosage determined by the patient's weight, particularly in pediatric cases. After the administration of xylose, a second serum sample is collected two hours later, and urine is collected for a duration of five hours post-dose. The results of this test can indicate malabsorption syndromes, which may include conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, Whipple disease, intestinal inflammatory disorders, short bowel syndrome, and parasitic infections like giardia and hookworm. The blood sample is obtained through a venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure, while urine collection is conducted via normal voiding. The analysis of both serum and urine samples is performed using quantitative spectrophotometry, a method that quantifies the concentration of substances in the samples.