Summary & Overview
CPT 0185U: Navigator FUT1 Sequencing for H Blood Group Antigen Analysis
CPT code 0185U designates the Navigator FUT1 Sequencing proprietary laboratory test developed by Grifols Immunohematology Center that sequences genes affecting H blood group antigens. This specialized genetic sequencing test is clinically relevant for reducing adverse blood–type incompatibility events in transfusions, organ transplants, and perinatal care by identifying variant alleles that alter antigen expression. Nationally, PLA codes like 0185U are important for payer coverage decisions because they represent manufacturer- or lab-specific assays with potentially limited clinical adoption and variable reimbursement.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the test, the typical sites of service (clinical laboratories and specialized immunohematology centers), and the policy and coverage considerations that commonly affect proprietary genetic assays. The publication covers benchmarking of coverage status across major payers, summaries of pertinent policy language and coding guidance, and clinical context that frames use cases for transfusion medicine, transplantation compatibility, and obstetric/newborn care. Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0185U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator FUT1 Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center. The test analyzes specific gene sequences affecting H blood group antigens to help clinicians identify genetic variations that may contribute to blood–type incompatibility reactions.
Service type: Genetic sequencing for blood group antigen analysis
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or specialized immunohematology center
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old pregnant woman with a prior history of transfusion reactions is referred by her obstetrician for molecular blood group testing to assess risk of H antigen–related incompatibility. A sample of peripheral blood is collected and sent to the Grifols Immunohematology Center for the Navigator FUT1 Sequencing test reported with 0185U. The laboratory performs targeted sequencing of the FUT1 gene regions described by the PLA code to identify variants affecting H blood group antigen expression. Results are returned to the ordering clinician and transfusion medicine team to guide selection of compatible donor blood or organ transplant planning, and to inform perinatal risk assessment for the fetus and newborn. Typical workflow steps include clinician order entry, specimen collection and labeling, courier transport to the reference lab, sequencing and variant interpretation by the performing laboratory, electronic report delivery to the ordering provider, and documentation of results in the patient’s medical record for transfusion or obstetric management decisions.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional/interpretive component of the test if the performing laboratory separates technical and professional components and a reporting physician bills separately. |