2025 CPT code 86834
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Immunology Procedures Feed
Antibody to human leukocyte antigens (HLA), solid phase assays (eg, microspheres or beads, ELISA, Flow cytometry); semi-quantitative panel (eg, titer), HLA Class I
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 90 is used if the test is performed by a reference (outside) laboratory. Modifier 91 is used for repeat testing.
Medical necessity for this test is determined by the patient's clinical condition and the need to assess HLA antibody levels for transplantation or other medical reasons.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantify the level of specific HLA Class I antibodies in patient serum. Clinicians may order this test to evaluate the level of specific HLA Class I antibodies present in patient serum, often to determine if the antibody level is decreasing following desensitization treatment to help the patient avoid rejecting a transplant.
In simple words: This test measures the level of antibodies against specific HLA Class I antigens in your blood.HLA antigens are proteins found on the surface of your cells, and these antibodies can be important in transplantation, as they might cause your body to reject a transplanted organ.
The lab analyst performs a solid phase immunoassay using patient serum to quantify the level of specific antibodies to specific Class I human leukocyte antigens, or HLA. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantify the level of specific HLA Class I antibodies in patient serum using an immunoassay method that involves a solid substrate such as beads coated with a specific HLA Class I antigen. The lab analyst performs the test with several serum dilutions by mixing each dilution with beads covered with specific HLA Class I antigens in the presence of a marker that will become visible if there is an antibody/antigen reaction, such as a fluorescent immunoglobulin. 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 evaluates the result for each serum dilution to quantify the amount of antibody present.
Example 1: A patient is awaiting a kidney transplant and has previously developed antibodies against some HLA antigens. This test is performed to monitor the level of these antibodies after desensitization therapy., A patient has experienced a previous transplant rejection. This test is used to quantify the levels of specific HLA Class I antibodies to aid in determining the cause of rejection and guide future transplant attempts., A patient is undergoing evaluation for a bone marrow transplant. This test helps assess the risk of graft-versus-host disease by identifying the presence and level of HLA antibodies.
Medical record documentation should include the reason for the test, the patient's relevant medical history (including prior transplants, transfusions, and pregnancies), and the interpretation of the test results.
** Some payers may pay separately for specimen collection (e.g., 36415 for venipuncture).
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Specialties:Immunology, Transplant Surgery, Hematology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Outpatient