Summary & Overview
CPT 0118U: Viracor TRAC Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA Assay
CPT code 0118U identifies the Viracor TRAC™ donor–derived cell–free DNA (dd–cfDNA) assay, a proprietary next-generation sequencing laboratory test used to quantify the percentage of donor-derived cell-free DNA in the blood of solid organ transplant recipients. This biomarker-based molecular assay is used for noninvasive surveillance of allograft injury or rejection, with implications for early detection and post-transplant management. Nationally, adoption of PLA codes like 0118U reflects growth in proprietary, manufacturer‑specific molecular diagnostics that support precision transplant care.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the test, payer coverage considerations, and what to expect in reimbursement and utilization benchmarking. The publication examines coding and billing context, common modifiers, typical sites of service, and clinical scenarios driving test utilization. It also summarizes the role of dd–cfDNA monitoring in transplant surveillance and where this PLA code fits within the broader landscape of transplant diagnostics and laboratory billing nationally.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0118U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Viracor TRAC™ donor–derived cell–free DNA (dd–cfDNA) assay produced by Viracor Eurofins. The test uses next generation sequencing to quantify the percentage of donor-derived cell-free DNA in the blood of a transplant recipient and is intended to monitor for allograft injury or rejection following a solid organ transplant.
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Service type: Laboratory testing using next generation sequencing to measure dd–cfDNA percentage
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital outpatient laboratory performing specialized molecular diagnostics
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 52-year-old male recipient of a deceased-donor kidney transplant presents for routine post-transplant surveillance. The patient is 6 months post-transplant, on maintenance immunosuppression, and is asymptomatic with stable serum creatinine but the transplant team orders a donor-derived cell-free DNA test to screen for subclinical allograft injury and early rejection. A peripheral blood sample is collected in the clinic or outpatient phlebotomy unit and sent to Viracor Eurofins for the Viracor TRAC™ dd-cfDNA assay. The laboratory performs next-generation sequencing to quantify the percentage of donor-derived cfDNA; results are returned to the transplant nephrology team to aid interpretation alongside clinical data, labs, and, when indicated, biopsy results. Typical site of service is outpatient transplant clinic, hospital outpatient lab, or contracted reference laboratory; service type is Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) — specialized molecular diagnostic testing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Unspecified modifier | Rarely used; not typically appended for PLA testing |
11 | Professional component | Used when reporting only the professional component for procedures that have distinct professional components; generally not applicable to PLA testing alone but may apply when separate professional interpretation is billed |