In simple words: This is a blood test to see if you've been exposed to carbon monoxide. It's a simple test that checks for the presence of a substance formed when carbon monoxide combines with your red blood cells. If the test is positive, a further test is needed to determine the amount of carbon monoxide in your blood.

This code represents a qualitative laboratory test for carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), a stable complex of carbon monoxide and hemoglobin. It is used to detect the presence or absence of COHb in a patient's blood sample, often as an initial screening for carbon monoxide poisoning. A positive qualitative result usually leads to a quantitative test (CPT code 82375) to determine the level of COHb.

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with symptoms suggestive of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, and nausea. Code 82376 is used for the initial qualitative test to determine the presence of carboxyhemoglobin., A firefighter is exposed to smoke during a fire. As part of the post-exposure evaluation, a qualitative carboxyhemoglobin test (82376) is performed to screen for carbon monoxide exposure., Several family members experience headaches and nausea after using a faulty heating system in their home. A qualitative carboxyhemoglobin test (82376) is ordered to check for possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Documentation should include the reason for the test (e.g., suspected carbon monoxide exposure, symptoms), the source of the specimen (e.g., blood), and the date and time of collection. If the qualitative test is positive, documentation of the subsequent quantitative test should also be included.