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Official Description

HLA Class I typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); one allele or allele group (eg, B*57:01P), each

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The HLA Class I typing, high resolution (CPT® Code 81381) is a specialized laboratory procedure that focuses on identifying specific alleles or allele groups within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. 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. The HLA molecules are located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and are essential for the normal functioning of the immune response. HLA Class I molecules, which include loci A, B, and C, are particularly important in various immunological processes, such as organ transplantation, disease defense, and susceptibility to certain cancers and autoimmune disorders. Each HLA Class I locus 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*08:01). The first two digits indicate a specific group of alleles, while additional digits provide more detailed information about the allele. The high-resolution typing of HLA Class I alleles is performed using advanced molecular techniques, which typically involve the extraction of DNA from nucleated cells through processes such as cell lysis and protein digestion. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is commonly employed in these methods to amplify the DNA segments of interest. One specific technique used for high-resolution typing is PCR sequence-specific priming (SSP), which utilizes a panel of primer pairs to selectively amplify groups of alleles. This high-resolution testing is crucial for accurately identifying specific alleles or allele groups, which can have significant implications for patient management in areas such as transplantation and disease susceptibility.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The HLA Class I typing, high resolution (CPT® Code 81381) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where precise identification of specific HLA alleles or allele groups is necessary. The following conditions and situations may warrant this procedure:

  • Organ Transplantation: To assess compatibility between donors and recipients, reducing the risk of transplant rejection.
  • Autoimmune Diseases: To evaluate susceptibility or resistance to certain autoimmune conditions, aiding in diagnosis and management.
  • Infectious Diseases: To understand the immune response to specific pathogens, which can inform treatment strategies.
  • Cancer Susceptibility: To identify genetic predispositions to certain cancers, facilitating early detection and preventive measures.

2. Procedure

The procedure for HLA Class I typing, high resolution, involves several critical steps to ensure accurate identification of specific alleles or allele groups. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection - A sample of nucleated cells is obtained from the patient, typically through a blood draw or tissue biopsy. This sample serves as the source of DNA for the typing process.
  • Step 2: DNA Extraction - The collected sample undergoes cell lysis and protein digestion to extract DNA. This step is essential for isolating the genetic material needed for further analysis.
  • Step 3: PCR Amplification - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is employed to amplify specific regions of the extracted DNA. This amplification is crucial for obtaining sufficient quantities of DNA for accurate typing.
  • Step 4: Sequence-Specific Priming - The PCR sequence-specific priming (SSP) technique is utilized, where a panel of primer pairs is used to selectively amplify groups of alleles associated with the HLA Class I loci.
  • Step 5: Analysis and Interpretation - The amplified DNA is analyzed to identify the specific alleles or allele groups present. This analysis may involve the use of test kits or semi-automatic test systems designed for high-resolution 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, disease management, or genetic counseling. Patients may not require specific post-procedure care, but they should be informed about the significance of the results and any potential follow-up actions that may be necessary based on the findings. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the results are documented accurately in the patient's medical record for future reference.

Short Descr HLA I TYPING 1 ALLELE HR
Medium Descr HLA I TYPING HIGH RESOLUTION 1 ALLELE/ALLELE GRP
Long Descr HLA Class I typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); one allele or allele group (eg, B*57:01P), 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 3
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
Date
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2012-01-01 Added Added
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