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Official Description

HLA Class I typing, low resolution (eg, antigen equivalents); one antigen equivalent (eg, B*27), each

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The HLA Class I typing, low resolution (CPT® Code 81374) is a laboratory procedure that focuses on identifying specific antigen equivalents within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which is a critical component of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The MHC plays a vital role in the immune system by facilitating self-recognition, allowing the body to distinguish its own cells and tissues from foreign invaders, such as pathogens and nonself cells. The HLA system is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and is divided into two main classes: Class I and Class II. Among these, Class I is particularly significant, with the most important loci being A, B, and C. Each of these loci can have multiple variants known as alleles, which are designated by a specific nomenclature that includes the locus followed by an asterisk (*) and a series of digits (e.g., HLA-B*27). The identification of HLA alleles is crucial for various medical applications, including organ transplantation, where matching donor and recipient HLA types can significantly reduce the risk of transplant rejection. Additionally, HLA typing is important in understanding susceptibility to certain diseases, including autoimmune disorders and some cancers. The low resolution typing performed under this code specifically identifies antigen equivalents, which are broader categories of alleles rather than individual alleles. This is typically achieved through molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequence specific priming (SSP), which amplifies groups of alleles using specific primer pairs. The low resolution testing can be conducted using specialized test kits or semi-automatic systems, and it is essential for determining the presence of specific Class I antigen equivalents, such as B*27, which can have significant clinical implications.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The HLA Class I typing, low resolution (CPT® Code 81374) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where understanding an individual's HLA antigen profile is essential. The following conditions and situations may warrant this testing:

  • Organ Transplantation - To assess compatibility between donor and recipient, reducing the risk of transplant rejection.
  • Autoimmune Diseases - To evaluate susceptibility to certain autoimmune conditions that may be influenced by specific HLA types.
  • Cancer Susceptibility - To identify potential genetic predispositions to certain cancers associated with specific HLA alleles.
  • Infectious Disease Response - To understand the immune response to infections, as certain HLA types may affect susceptibility or resistance to specific pathogens.

2. Procedure

The procedure for HLA Class I typing, low resolution, involves several key steps to ensure accurate identification of antigen equivalents. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Sample Collection - A sample of nucleated cells is collected, often from blood or tissue, which serves as the source of DNA for testing.
  • Cell Lysis and Protein Digestion - The collected cells undergo lysis to break down the cell membrane, followed by protein digestion to prepare the DNA for extraction.
  • DNA Extraction - The DNA is extracted from the lysed cells, isolating it for further analysis.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - PCR is employed to amplify specific regions of the DNA that correspond to the HLA Class I loci. This step is crucial for generating sufficient DNA for analysis.
  • Sequence Specific Priming (SSP) - A panel of primer pairs is used in the PCR process to selectively amplify groups of alleles associated with the HLA Class I loci, allowing for low resolution typing.
  • Analysis of Results - The amplified DNA is analyzed to identify the presence of specific antigen equivalents, such as B*27, providing the necessary information for clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the HLA Class I typing procedure is completed, the results are typically reviewed and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional. The findings can provide critical information for managing patient care, particularly in the context of organ transplantation and disease susceptibility. Patients may not require specific post-procedure care related to the HLA typing itself, but it is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results effectively and discuss any implications for treatment or further testing. Additionally, the laboratory may retain samples for a specified period for quality control or further analysis if needed.

Short Descr HLA I TYPING 1 ANTIGEN LR
Medium Descr HLA I LOW RESOLUTION ONE ANTIGEN EQUIVALENT EACH
Long Descr HLA Class I typing, low resolution (eg, antigen equivalents); one antigen equivalent (eg, B*27), each
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Service Paid under Fee Schedule or Payment System other than OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 234 - Pathology
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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2012-01-01 Added Added
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