CPT® Code 86813

1. Indications

HLA typing is performed for several specific indications, including:

• Susceptibility to Disease Testing for specific HLA alleles helps identify individuals who may be at risk for certain diseases, such as autoimmune disorders.
• Tissue Compatibility HLA typing is crucial for determining the compatibility of potential stem cell, bone marrow, or solid organ transplant donors with the intended recipients, ensuring a higher success rate for transplants.
• Eligibility for Immunotherapy The procedure is used to assess eligibility for certain vaccine or immunotherapy treatments, which may depend on the individual's HLA profile.
• Platelet Compatibility HLA typing can also be utilized to determine platelet compatibility, which is important for improving platelet survival following transfusion.

2. Procedure

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

• Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the patient, which serves as the source of DNA for the HLA typing process. This sample is typically drawn from a vein in the arm using standard venipuncture techniques.
• DNA Extraction The collected blood sample undergoes a process of DNA extraction, where the cellular components are separated to isolate the DNA. This step is critical for ensuring that the genetic material is suitable for analysis.
• Amplification of HLA Genes Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques are employed to amplify the specific regions of the DNA that correspond to the HLA genes. This amplification is necessary to produce enough DNA for accurate typing.
• Typing of HLA Antigens The amplified DNA is then analyzed to identify the presence of specific HLA antigens (A, B, or C). This may involve various methods, including sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes or next-generation sequencing, to determine the specific alleles present.
• Result Interpretation The results of the HLA typing are interpreted by qualified laboratory personnel, who will provide a report detailing the identified HLA antigens. This report is essential for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding patient care, particularly in transplant and treatment planning.

3. Post-Procedure

After the HLA typing procedure, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the process is minimally invasive and typically does not result in significant side effects. However, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results of the HLA typing to the patient and discuss any implications for treatment or further testing. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to understand the significance of their HLA typing results, especially if they are being considered for transplant or specific therapies. Additionally, proper documentation of the results is essential for future medical decisions and potential donor-recipient matching.