Clinical Utilities
Screen for cystic fibrosis

CPT Codes
82438 - Chloride 89230 - Sweat collection by Iontophoresis

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines
and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the
sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions
regarding coding to the payer being billed.

Reference Range
0-20 yrs
   0-40 mmol/L  
   41- 60 mmol/L  Borderline
   >60 mmol/L  Consistent with CF

>20 yrs
   >70 mmol/L  Consistent with CF

TEXT APPENDED TO RESULTS:
All sweat chlorides values should be interpreted with family history
and clinical presentations.  Sweat chloride values >40 mmol/L have
been documented in patients with genetically proven CF.  Borderline
tests muse be repeated.  Even negative tests should be repeated if the
clinical picture suggests CF.  The U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 
recommends repeating all positives on a separate occasion.  The 
sweat chloride test does not identify carriers (heterozygotes).
Reliability of this test in the first weeks of life is questionable.

Component Information