CPT® Code 86816

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing is a laboratory procedure that focuses on identifying specific antigens known as DR and DQ antigens. These antigens are crucial for understanding an individual's immune response and are particularly significant in the context of organ transplantation and disease susceptibility. The HLA typing process involves testing for specific HLA alleles, which can reveal whether a person is predisposed to certain diseases or if they are a suitable match for a stem cell, bone marrow, or solid organ transplant. HLA antigens are categorized into two main classes: Class I and Class II alleles. Among the Class II alleles, HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 are commonly tested in patients who exhibit symptoms of celiac disease or have a family history of this condition. Additionally, HLA-DR15 and HLA-DQ6 are utilized to help distinguish narcolepsy from other sleep-related disorders. The tests for Class II HLA-DR DNA typing and HLA-DQ DNA typing are instrumental in identifying risks for various autoimmune disorders and ensuring compatibility between potential organ donors and recipients. For coding purposes, the CPT® Code 86816 is designated for typing a single antigen, while CPT® Code 86817 is used when multiple HLA antigens are analyzed.