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Official Description

HLA Class I typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); complete (ie, HLA-A, -B, and -C)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The HLA Class I typing, high resolution (CPT® Code 81379) is a specialized laboratory procedure that focuses on the identification of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) at a high resolution level. The HLA system is a critical component of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which plays a vital role in the immune system by facilitating self-recognition. This means that the MHC helps the body distinguish its own cells and tissues from foreign substances, including pathogens and non-self cells. HLAs are located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and are essential for the normal functioning of the immune response. The HLA system is divided into two main classes: Class I and Class II, with Class I being particularly significant for immune responses. Within Class I, the most important loci are HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C. Each of these loci can have multiple variants known as alleles, which are designated by the locus name followed by an asterisk (*) and a series of digits that provide specific information about the allele. For example, HLA-B*08:01 indicates a specific allele within the HLA-B locus. High resolution typing is crucial for various medical applications, including organ transplantation, where matching donor and recipient HLAs can significantly reduce the risk of transplant rejection. Additionally, HLA typing can provide insights into an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases, including autoimmune disorders and specific cancers. The procedure typically involves molecular techniques for DNA extraction, which require cell lysis and protein digestion, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to amplify the DNA. One common technique used for high resolution typing is PCR sequence specific priming (SSP), which utilizes a panel of primer pairs to target and amplify specific groups of alleles. The complete high resolution HLA Class I typing (CPT® Code 81379) encompasses all three loci—HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C—providing comprehensive information for clinical decision-making.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The HLA Class I typing, high resolution (CPT® Code 81379) is indicated for several clinical scenarios where precise identification of HLA alleles is essential. These indications include:

  • Organ Transplantation: To determine compatibility between donors and recipients, thereby reducing the risk of transplant rejection.
  • Autoimmune Disease Assessment: To evaluate an individual's susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases, which may be influenced by specific HLA alleles.
  • Cancer Susceptibility Testing: To identify potential genetic predispositions to certain cancers associated with specific HLA types.
  • Pharmacogenomics: To assess how an individual's HLA type may affect their response to certain medications, particularly in the context of drug hypersensitivity reactions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for HLA Class I typing, high resolution, involves several critical steps to ensure accurate identification of HLA alleles. These steps include:

  • Sample Collection: A sample of nucleated cells is obtained, typically from blood or tissue, which serves as the source of DNA for analysis.
  • 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 extracted DNA that correspond to the HLA loci of interest. This amplification is crucial for obtaining sufficient DNA for high resolution typing.
  • Sequence Specific Priming (SSP): A panel of primer pairs is used in the PCR process to selectively amplify groups of alleles, allowing for high resolution identification of HLA Class I alleles.
  • Analysis and Interpretation: The amplified DNA is analyzed to determine the specific HLA alleles present, providing detailed information about the individual's HLA typing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the HLA Class I typing procedure is completed, the results are typically reviewed and interpreted by a qualified laboratory professional. The findings are then communicated to the referring physician, who will use the information to guide clinical decisions, particularly in the context of organ transplantation or disease susceptibility assessments. There are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for patients, as the procedure is performed in a laboratory setting and does not involve invasive techniques. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the implications of the results with patients, especially regarding any potential need for further testing or monitoring based on the identified HLA types.

Short Descr HLA I TYPING COMPLETE HR
Medium Descr HLA CLASS I TYPING HIGH RESOLUTION COMPLETE
Long Descr HLA Class I typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); complete (ie, HLA-A, -B, and -C)
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
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.
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2012-01-01 Added Added
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