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2025 CPT code 82075

Quantitative analysis of alcohol (ethanol) in a breath sample, correlating the measurement to blood alcohol content (BAC).

Refer to the current CPT manual's guidelines for Chemistry procedures and alcohol testing.

Modifiers may apply based on the setting and circumstances of service (e.g., 90 for outside lab, 91 for repeat tests). Consult the CPT manual for appropriate modifier application.

Medical necessity for breath alcohol testing varies depending on the setting. In an emergency department, it's crucial to assess for alcohol intoxication and guide treatment.For legal contexts (e.g., DUI), the test is mandated by law. In occupational settings, it's used for safety and compliance reasons.

The clinical laboratory analyst performs the technical aspects of the test, including specimen handling, analysis using appropriate instrumentation (e.g., infrared spectrometer), and result reporting.

IMPORTANT:Differentiate from CPT code 82077, which analyzes alcohol in specimens other than breath or urine.Also distinguish from CPT code 80320, a definitive alcohol drug test identifying and quantifying various alcohols and metabolites (e.g., ethanol, methanol, isopropanol) often using urine specimens and methods such as gas chromatography or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

In simple words: This lab test measures the amount of alcohol in a person's breath. The result shows how much alcohol is in their blood, which can be important for medical or legal reasons.

This CPT code encompasses the laboratory analysis of a breath specimen to quantitatively determine the concentration of ethanol (alcohol). The result is expressed as blood alcohol content (BAC), reflecting the correlation between breath alcohol and blood alcohol levels.The analysis may utilize various methods such as infrared spectrometry, colorimetric balloon tests, or electrochemical alcohol oxidation processes. The test measures the amount of alcohol present and reports the findings as a quantitative value.

Example 1: A patient is involved in a motor vehicle accident. Law enforcement orders a breath alcohol test to determine BAC for legal proceedings., A healthcare provider suspects alcohol intoxication in a patient presenting with altered mental status. A breath alcohol test is ordered to confirm or rule out alcohol poisoning., An employer mandates an alcohol breath test as part of a pre-employment screening or workplace safety program.

Patient identification, date and time of collection, specimen source (breath), test method used, quantitative result (BAC), and the signature of the individual performing and verifying the test are required.Additionally, depending on the context (e.g., legal), chain of custody documentation might be necessary.

** Proper collection techniques are essential for accurate results.Incorrect specimen collection or handling may affect the validity of the BAC determination. Always refer to the current CPT guidelines and the specific laboratory's protocols for accurate coding and interpretation.

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