Summary & Overview
CPT 0191U: Navigator IN Sequencing for Indian Blood Group Antigens
CPT code 0191U designates the Navigator IN Sequencing proprietary laboratory test from Grifols Immunohematology Center that sequences genes to identify Indian (IN) blood group antigens. The result assists clinicians in minimizing adverse blood–type incompatibility reactions in transfusions, organ transplants, and perinatal care. As a PLA code, 0191U applies to a single manufacturer’s test and is specific to that assay.
Key national payers considered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of the code’s clinical purpose and service setting, payer coverage context, common billing modifiers, and where this test fits in laboratory and transfusion workflows. The publication summarizes benchmarking and policy-relevant points for national stakeholders and provides clinical context to inform coding and administrative planning.
The content covers: the test’s clinical utility for transfusion and transplant compatibility, the PLA nature of the code, payer coverage landscape, and operational considerations for reporting 0191U in laboratory billing. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0191U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator IN Sequencing test performed by Grifols Immunohematology Center. The test analyzes specific gene sequences to identify Indian (IN) blood group antigens and is reported when a specimen such as blood is used. This analysis can help clinicians assess blood–type compatibility for transfusions, organ transplantation, pregnancy and newborn care.
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Service type: Genetic sequencing assay for blood group antigen determination
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or specialized immunohematology reference laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old pregnant woman with a history of multiple prior blood transfusions and an unclear transfusion record presents for prenatal care. The obstetric team orders extended immunohematology testing to characterize rare blood group antigens and assess risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. A venous blood specimen is collected and sent to a reference laboratory performing the proprietary Navigator IN Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center. Laboratory personnel perform targeted sequencing of genes encoding Indian (IN) blood group antigens to identify variant alleles that may cause antigen mismatch between donor blood and the patient or fetus. Results guide transfusion selection, donor unit compatibility screening, and peripartum planning to minimize adverse transfusion or alloimmunization events. Typical workflow steps: sample collection in outpatient clinic or inpatient unit; specimen labeling and courier to specialized lab; sequencing and bioinformatic analysis by the performing laboratory; issuance of a report to the ordering clinician and transfusion service; integration of findings into transfusion management and perinatal care plans. Typical site of service: reference laboratory processing with specimen drawn in outpatient clinic, hospital laboratory, or blood bank collection area. Service type: proprietary molecular diagnostic sequencing (Proprietary Laboratory Analyses, PLA) specific to the Navigator IN Sequencing test.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component |