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Code deleted, see 43754, 43755.

Official Description

Gastric intubation and aspiration, diagnostic, each specimen, for chemical analyses or cytopathology

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 89130 involves gastric intubation and aspiration, which is a diagnostic technique used to collect specimens from the stomach for further analysis. This process entails the insertion of a tube, either through the mouth or the nose, that extends into the stomach. Once the tube is properly positioned, fluid is withdrawn from the stomach. The collected fluid is then subjected to chemical analyses or cytopathology to evaluate its composition and identify any potential abnormalities. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions and can provide valuable insights into the patient's health status. It is important to note that if the stomach is stimulated prior to the procedure, a different code, CPT® Code 89132, should be used to accurately reflect the nature of the procedure performed.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The indications for performing gastric intubation and aspiration, as described by CPT® Code 89130, include the need to obtain gastric contents for diagnostic purposes. This procedure is typically indicated in the following scenarios:

  • Chemical Analysis The procedure is performed to analyze the chemical composition of gastric fluids, which can help in diagnosing conditions such as metabolic disorders or infections.
  • Cytopathology Gastric intubation and aspiration may be indicated for cytopathological examination, allowing for the detection of abnormal cells that could indicate malignancies or other pathological conditions.

2. Procedure

The procedure of gastric intubation and aspiration involves several key steps that ensure the safe and effective collection of gastric specimens. Each step is critical to the overall success of the procedure:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is prepared for the procedure, which may include fasting for a specified period to ensure that the stomach is empty. The healthcare provider explains the procedure to the patient, addressing any questions or concerns.
  • Step 2: Insertion of the Tube A flexible tube is carefully inserted through the patient's mouth or nose. The healthcare provider ensures that the tube is advanced gently to avoid causing discomfort or injury. The correct placement of the tube into the stomach is confirmed, often by checking for the presence of gastric contents.
  • Step 3: Aspiration of Gastric Contents Once the tube is properly positioned, the healthcare provider withdraws fluid from the stomach. This is done using a syringe or suction device to collect the gastric contents into sterile containers for analysis.
  • Step 4: Specimen Handling The collected specimens are labeled appropriately and handled according to laboratory protocols to ensure accurate chemical analyses or cytopathological evaluation.
  • Step 5: Removal of the Tube After the specimens have been collected, the tube is carefully removed from the patient's stomach. The healthcare provider ensures that the patient is comfortable and monitors for any immediate post-procedure complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the gastric intubation and aspiration procedure, the patient may be monitored for any adverse reactions or complications. It is important to assess the patient's comfort level and provide any necessary post-procedure care. Patients may be advised to resume normal activities as tolerated, but specific instructions regarding diet or further evaluations may be provided based on the results of the analyses performed on the gastric specimens. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the findings and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be required.

Short Descr SAMPLE STOMACH CONTENTS
Medium Descr GSTR DX EA SPEC CHEM ANALYSES/CYTP
Long Descr Gastric intubation and aspiration, diagnostic, each specimen, for chemical analyses or cytopathology
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Ancillary Services
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 234 - Pathology
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 43754, 43755.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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