2025 CPT code 86829
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Immunology Procedures Feed
Qualitative assessment of the presence or absence of antibody(ies) to HLA Class I or Class II HLA antigens using solid phase assays (e.g., microspheres or beads, ELISA, Flow cytometry).
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations (e.g., 59 for a distinct procedural service, 90 for reference lab, 91 for repeat testing).
Medical necessity is established when the test is performed for appropriate clinical indications, such as pre-transplant evaluation, assessment of transfusion risks, or evaluation of pregnancy complications.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps to identify the presence or absence of HLA Class I or HLA Class II antibodies in patient serum using an immunoassay method that involves a solid substrate such as antigen–coated beads or test wells. The lab analyst evaluates the antibody/antigen reaction using a special instrument and process such as flow cytometry or enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay, called ELISA, and reports a qualitative result.
In simple words: This test checks if you have antibodies against certain proteins (HLA) found on your cells. These antibodies can be important for things like organ transplants.
The laboratory analyst performs a solid phase immunoassay using patient serum to determine the presence or absence of antibodies to human leukocyte antigen (HLA), Class I or Class II antigens.The analyst mixes the serum with beads or wells coated with HLA Class I or Class II HLA antigens in the presence of a marker (e.g., a fluorescent immunoglobulin) that will become visible if there is an antibody/antigen reaction. The reaction is evaluated using an instrument and process such as flow cytometry or ELISA, and a qualitative result is reported. (If solid phase testing is performed to assess presence or absence of antibody to both HLA classes, use 86828).
Example 1: A patient is being evaluated for a kidney transplant and needs to be screened for HLA antibodies to assess compatibility with potential donors., A patient has had multiple blood transfusions and needs to be tested for the presence of HLA antibodies, which can complicate future transfusions., A pregnant woman is being tested for HLA antibodies to assess the risk of complications related to fetal-maternal incompatibility.
Medical record documentation should include the reason for the test, relevant clinical history (e.g., prior transplants, transfusions, pregnancies), and the interpretation of the test results.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Specialties:Immunology, Pathology, Transplant Surgery, Hematology/Oncology, Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Outpatient, Physician Office