Summary & Overview
CPT 0192U: Navigator JK Sequencing for Kidd Blood Group Antigens
CPT code 0192U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code that identifies the Navigator JK Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center, a blood-based genetic sequencing assay for Kidd blood group antigens. The test has clinical relevance for transfusion medicine, transplant compatibility assessment, and perinatal care by clarifying antigen status that can reduce the risk of alloimmunization and hemolytic reactions. On a national level, PLA codes like 0192U matter because they represent single-source laboratory innovations that can affect clinical workflows, coding clarity, and payer coverage decisions.
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, typical sites of service, and which major payers are considered in coverage discussions. The publication also outlines expected benchmarks and policy-relevant items readers should watch: how PLA coding shapes claims adjudication, implications for laboratory billing, and clinical contexts where the test may be ordered. Data not provided in the input—such as specific payer coverage policies, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes—are noted as unavailable. The content is intended to inform billing managers, laboratory directors, and clinicians about the code’s function and the payer landscape for this proprietary sequencing assay.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0192U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator JK Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center. The test analyzes specific gene sequences associated with the Kidd blood group system to identify Kidd antigens. Results can help clinicians minimize adverse blood–type incompatibility reactions in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and management of pregnancy and newborns.
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Service type: Genetic sequencing for immunohematology (proprietary laboratory test)
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or specialized reference laboratory using a blood specimen
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A recipient of blood transfusion, organ transplant candidate, or a pregnant person with a history of alloimmunization is referred for molecular blood group genotyping. The laboratory test is ordered by a transfusion medicine physician, obstetrician, or transplant coordinator when serologic typing is inconclusive, when rare Kidd (Jk) antigen variants are suspected, or when antibody identification or prenatal risk assessment requires genetic confirmation. A blood sample (EDTA whole blood) is collected in the outpatient clinic, hospital ward, or transfusion service and sent to the reference laboratory (Grifols Immunohematology Center). The laboratory performs the Navigator JK Sequencing assay to analyze specific SLC14A1 gene sequences that determine Kidd blood group antigens. Results reporting includes predicted Jk antigen expression to guide selection of compatible blood units, organ allocation decisions, or prenatal/newborn risk management. Turnaround time and electronic reporting follow the laboratory’s usual workflow for proprietary molecular assays; billing uses PLA code 0192U with the specimen and testing location documented in the laboratory report.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When only the physician’s interpretation or report is billed separately from the laboratory technical component. |