Summary & Overview
CPT 0182U: Navigator CROM Sequencing for Cromer Blood Group Antigen Prediction
CPT code 0182U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator CROM Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center, a targeted genetic sequencing assay that predicts Cromer (CROM) blood group antigens from blood specimens. The test has clinical relevance for transfusion medicine, transplantation compatibility, and perinatal care by helping to identify antigen mismatches that can cause hemolytic reactions.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a national perspective on clinical context and payer coverage considerations for this specialized PLA test. The publication outlines benchmarks where available, summarizes typical clinical use cases, and highlights policy features relevant to proprietary laboratory codes. It also provides practical information about service setting and the clinical scenarios in which the test is applied.
This resource is intended for health policy analysts, laboratory directors, and billing professionals seeking a concise, national overview of the code’s clinical role, payer landscape, and the types of documentation and clinical contexts associated with sequencing-based blood‑group antigen prediction. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0182U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator CROM Sequencing test performed by Grifols Immunohematology Center. The test analyzes specific gene sequences to predict Cromer (CROM) blood group antigens from a specimen such as blood. This genetic analysis helps identify antigen profiles that may reduce the risk of adverse blood‑type incompatibility reactions in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and in pregnancy and newborns.
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Service type: Diagnostic genetic sequencing (proprietary laboratory analysis)
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or specialized immunohematology reference laboratory (specimen: blood)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient scheduled for complex transfusion management or prenatal care is referred for the Navigator CROM Sequencing test (0182U) from Grifols Immunohematology Center. Typical patients include: a pregnant person with a history of alloimmunization, a patient requiring repeated blood transfusions (for example, sickle cell disease or thalassemia), or a transplant candidate with a need for detailed antigen matching. A blood specimen is collected and sent to the reference laboratory. The lab performs targeted sequencing of genes that predict Cromer (CROM) blood group antigens. Results are reported to the ordering clinician and the transfusion service to guide selection of compatible blood products, reduce risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions, and inform perinatal management when maternal alloantibodies to Cromer antigens are present. Typical workflow steps: clinician orders 0182U; phlebotomy collects whole blood specimen with required labeling and clinical history; specimen is shipped to Grifols Immunohematology Center; sequencing and interpretation are performed; a formal report is delivered to the ordering provider and blood bank; transfusion or prenatal planning is adjusted based on results.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Service provided with no modifiers |