CPT® Code 86822

Deleted

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing is a laboratory procedure that identifies specific HLA alleles present in an individual's lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. This typing is crucial for assessing tissue compatibility, particularly in the context of organ transplants, such as stem cell, bone marrow, or solid organ transplants. The procedure utilizes a primed lymphocyte culture (PLC) method, which involves mixing the lymphocytes to be tested with primed lymphocyte typing (PLT) reagents. The goal of HLA typing is to determine whether the donor's and recipient's tissues are compatible, thereby reducing the risk of transplant rejection. HLA antigens are categorized into Class I and Class II alleles, which play significant roles in the immune response. The PLC method enhances the sensitivity of the test by using primed cells that are more responsive to the antigens being tested. This process involves several steps, including the incubation of mixed cells, the addition of thymidine, and the subsequent analysis of the cultures to interpret the results accurately.