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Official Description

HLA Class II typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); one locus (eg, HLA-DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQB1, -DQA1, -DPB1, or -DPA1), each

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The HLA Class II typing procedure, identified by CPT® Code 81382, involves high-resolution analysis of specific loci 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 substances, including pathogens and non-self cells. HLA Class II molecules are essential for initiating immune responses and are located on the short arm of chromosome 6. This class comprises several loci, including HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP, with each locus containing various alleles that define individual immune responses. Alleles are designated by the locus name followed by an asterisk (*) and a series of digits that indicate specific allele groups and variants. For example, an allele may be represented as DRB1*15, where the first two digits signify a particular group, and additional digits provide further specificity. The high-resolution typing of HLA Class II is crucial for various clinical applications, including organ transplantation, disease association studies, and understanding immune responses. The procedure typically employs molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA from nucleated cells, which requires prior cell lysis and protein digestion. One common method for achieving high-resolution typing is PCR sequence-specific priming (SSP), which utilizes a set of primer pairs to selectively amplify groups of alleles. This high-resolution testing is reported for each locus typed, and it is important to note that if multiple loci are analyzed, each must be reported separately. The procedure is essential for identifying specific alleles or allele groups, thereby enhancing the understanding of an individual's immune profile.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The HLA Class II typing procedure is performed for several specific indications, which include:

  • Organ Transplantation: To determine compatibility between donors and recipients, reducing the risk of transplant rejection.
  • Autoimmune Diseases: To investigate associations between specific HLA alleles and autoimmune conditions, aiding in diagnosis and management.
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation: To identify suitable donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplants, ensuring better outcomes.
  • Pharmacogenomics: To assess potential responses to certain medications based on HLA allele presence, which can influence drug efficacy and safety.
  • Research Purposes: To study the role of HLA alleles in various diseases and immune responses, contributing to the understanding of immunology.

2. Procedure

The HLA Class II typing procedure involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection The process begins with the collection of a biological sample, typically blood or buccal swab, from the patient. This sample contains nucleated cells, which are necessary for DNA extraction.
  • Step 2: Cell Lysis and Protein Digestion The collected sample undergoes cell lysis to break down the cell membranes, followed by protein digestion to remove proteins that may interfere with DNA extraction. This step is crucial for obtaining pure DNA for analysis.
  • Step 3: DNA Extraction After cell lysis and protein digestion, DNA is extracted from the nucleated cells using appropriate molecular techniques. This purified DNA serves as the template for the subsequent amplification process.
  • Step 4: PCR Amplification The extracted DNA is subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. This step involves using specific primer pairs designed to target the HLA Class II loci of interest, allowing for the selective amplification of the desired DNA segments.
  • Step 5: High-Resolution Typing The amplified DNA is then analyzed to determine the specific alleles or allele groups present at the targeted HLA Class II locus. This high-resolution typing can be performed using various methods, including PCR sequence-specific priming (SSP) and may utilize test kits or semi-automatic test systems.
  • Step 6: Reporting Results Finally, the results of the HLA Class II typing are compiled and reported. Each locus typed is documented, and if multiple loci are analyzed, each must be reported separately to ensure accurate interpretation of the findings.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing HLA Class II typing is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not require significant recovery time. Patients may be advised to monitor for any unusual symptoms at the site of sample collection, such as excessive bleeding or infection, although these occurrences are rare. The results of the HLA typing will typically be communicated to the healthcare provider within a specified timeframe, allowing for timely decision-making regarding treatment options, especially in the context of organ transplantation or management of autoimmune diseases. It is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the implications of the results with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions based on the identified HLA alleles.

Short Descr HLA II TYPING 1 LOC HR
Medium Descr HLA CLASS II TYPING HIGH RESOLUTION ONE LOCUS EA
Long Descr HLA Class II typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); one locus (eg, HLA-DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQB1, -DQA1, -DPB1, or -DPA1), 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 6
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
T2 Left foot, third digit
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2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2012-01-01 Added Added
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