How To Use CPT Code 0001U

CPT 0001U describes a specific laboratory test called Red blood cell antigen typing, DNA, human erythrocyte antigen gene analysis of 35 antigens from 11 blood groups, utilizing whole blood, common RBC alleles reported. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0001U?

CPT 0001U can be used to describe a laboratory test that analyzes the DNA of red blood cells to determine the presence or absence of 35 antigens from 11 blood groups. This test utilizes whole blood specimens and reports the common RBC alleles. It is a proprietary test offered by Immucor, Inc. called the PreciseType® HEA Test.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0001U is: ‘Red blood cell antigen typing, DNA, human erythrocyte antigen gene analysis of 35 antigens from 11 blood groups, utilizing whole blood, common RBC alleles reported.’

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory receives a whole blood specimen from the patient.
2. The specimen undergoes a proprietary multiplexed molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification assay to identify the presence or absence of specific alleles associated with the selected antigens.
3. A separate imaging system captures the fluorescent signal from individual DNA strands, which is compared to a library of phenotypes.
4. Software analyzes the raw data and generates the assay results, indicating the presence or absence of the selected alleles and reporting the common RBC alleles.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0001U is ordered by clinicians for various purposes, including testing blood donor specimens for compatibility and determining compatibility for patients receiving transfusions. It can be used to identify specific alleles associated with blood group antigens, such as sickle cell trait. This test is performed on human specimens requested by the clinical lab that offers the test.

5. When to use CPT code 0001U

CPT code 0001U should be used when a clinician orders the Immucor, Inc. PreciseType® HEA Test to analyze a whole blood specimen for the presence or absence of specific alleles associated with 35 human erythrocyte antigens from 11 blood groups. This code should only be used for this specific test and not with any other CPT code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0001U, the documentation should include:

• Identification of the specific alleles associated with the selected antigens
• Date of service and the specimen analyzed
• Signature of the clinician who ordered the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0001U, ensure that the test is performed by Immucor, Inc. using their proprietary PreciseType® HEA Test. This code should not be reported with any other CPT code. It is important to check with the appropriate payer regarding payment for specimen collection, as some payers may reimburse separately for this service.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0001U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on February 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT code 0001U to determine the compatibility of a blood donor specimen for transfusion.
2. A patient receiving a blood transfusion undergoes CPT code 0001U to ensure compatibility with the donor blood.
3. A clinician suspects the presence of a specific allele associated with a blood group antigen and orders CPT code 0001U for a patient’s whole blood specimen.
4. A clinician requests CPT code 0001U to identify the presence or absence of sickle cell trait in a blood donor specimen.
5. A patient with a known blood group antigen deficiency undergoes CPT code 0001U to determine the specific alleles associated with the deficiency.
6. A clinician orders CPT code 0001U to analyze a whole blood specimen for the presence or absence of specific alleles associated with multiple blood group antigens.
7. A patient with a rare blood group antigen undergoes CPT code 0001U to identify the specific alleles associated with the antigen.
8. A clinician orders CPT code 0001U to determine the compatibility of a blood donor specimen for a patient with a history of transfusion reactions.
9. A patient with a suspected blood group antigen variant undergoes CPT code 0001U to confirm the presence or absence of the variant.
10. A clinician orders CPT code 0001U to analyze a whole blood specimen for the presence or absence of specific alleles associated with blood group antigens in preparation for a planned surgery.