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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesProprietary Laboratory AnalysesCPT cpt-0196u-navigator-lu-sequencing-lutheran-blood-group
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    CPT 0196U: Navigator LU Sequencing for Lutheran Blood Group Antigens

    CPT code 0196U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) billing code for the Navigator LU Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center, a targeted genetic sequencing assay performed on a blood specimen to identify specific gene sequences that determine Lutheran (LU) blood group antigens; this molecular blood typing service supports clinical decision-making to minimize transfusion, transplant, or perinatal blood–type incompatibility risks and is provided as a laboratory diagnostic test (molecular pathology) typically performed in a clinical laboratory or specialized immunohematology center.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: RTM Testing of Homocysteine Metabolism-Related Conditions, Multimarker Serum Testing Related to Ovarian Cancer, B-Hemolytic Streptococcus Testing.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A patient undergoing pre-transfusion compatibility testing or planning for organ transplant is referred for molecular blood group genotyping. Typical scenario: a pregnant woman with a history of prior transfusion, alloimmunization, or discrepant serologic Lutheran (LU) antigen typing, or a patient with multiple transfusions and complex serology, has a blood specimen (whole blood or EDTA) sent to a reference immunohematology laboratory. The laboratory performs the Navigator LU Sequencing test to analyze specific gene sequences that determine Lutheran blood group antigens. Results are used by the transfusion medicine team, obstetrics providers, or transplant teams to select compatible blood products, anticipate hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn, or avoid alloimmune reactions during transplantation. The typical workflow: specimen collection and accessioning → test order and patient history review (including prior antibody records) → molecular sequencing using the proprietary assay → result interpretation and reporting with antigen genotype and clinical implications → documentation in the transfusion record and communication to ordering clinician and blood bank for product selection.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    86900Blood typing; ABOPerformed as initial serologic testing before or alongside molecular genotyping to establish ABO group.
    86901Blood typing; Rh(D)Complementary serologic Rh(D) typing used with molecular LU results to determine full transfusion compatibility.
    86850Antibody screen, RBC antibodies (indirect antiglobulin test)Identifies clinically significant alloantibodies that prompt molecular testing for blood group antigens such as Lutheran.
    86880Antibody identification; serum or plasmaDetailed serologic workup often precedes or accompanies molecular genotyping to resolve complex serology.
    81265HLA class I and II typing (sequence-based)Performed in transplantation contexts alongside antigen genotyping for broader compatibility assessment.

    Related Modifiers

    10 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207RH0000XHematology (Internal Medicine) PhysicianAn internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
    207K00000XAllergy & Immunology PhysicianAn allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
    208D00000XGeneral Practice PhysicianA physician who specializes in the general practice of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions.
    225XM0800XMental Health Occupational TherapistOccupational therapists provide treatment for people recovering from a mental or physical illness to regain their independence and stability and to en…
    2082S0099XPlastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck (Plastic Surgery) PhysicianA plastic surgeon with additional training in plastic and reconstructive procedures within the head, face, neck and associated structures, including c…
    207YS0123XFacial Plastic Surgery PhysicianAn otolaryngologist who specializes in facial plastic surgery.
    163WA2000XAdministrator Registered NurseNursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
    208VP0000XPain Medicine PhysicianPain Medicine is a primary medical specialty based on a distinct body of knowledge and a well-defined scope of clinical practice that is founded on sc…

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    28 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    D50.9Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified
    D55.9Anemia due to enzyme disorder, unspecified
    D56.9Thalassemia, unspecified
    D63.1Anemia in chronic kidney disease
    D68.9Coagulation defect, unspecified
    D69.6Thrombocytopenia, unspecified
    O09.219Supervision of pregnancy with history of pre-term labor, unspecified trimester
    O36.80X0Pregnancy with inconclusive fetal viability, not applicable or unspecified
    O36.80X1Pregnancy with inconclusive fetal viability, fetus 1
    O36.80X2Pregnancy with inconclusive fetal viability, fetus 2

    Showing 1–10 of 28

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Genetic & Molecular Testing1 / 3

    2 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    RTM Testing of Homocysteine Metabolism-Related ConditionsOscar Health2026-10-01
    Multimarker Serum Testing Related to Ovarian CancerBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-09-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-0001U-PRECISETYPE-HEA-MULTIPLEX-RBC-ANTIGEN-GENOTYPING

    CPT 0001U: PreciseType HEA Erythrocyte Antigen Genotyping

    CPT-0002U-POLYPDX-URINE-METABOLOMIC-ASSAY-ADENOMATOUS-POLYP-RISK

    CPT 0002U: PolypDX™ Urine Metabolomic Risk Assay

    CPT-0003U-OVAR-A-NEXT-GENERATION-OVARIAN-CANCER-RISK-ASSAY

    CPT 0003U: Overa (MIA2G) Ovarian Cancer Risk Assay

    CPT-0005U-PROSTATE-EXOSOMEDX-INTELLISCORE-GENE-EXPRESSION-URINE-TEST

    CPT 0005U: ExosomeDx Prostate (IntelliScore) urine gene expression test

    CPT-0007U-TOXPROTECT-URINE-DRUG-SCREEN-WITH-DNA-AUTHENTICATION

    CPT 0007U: ToxProtect Urine Drug Screen With DNA Authentication

    CPT-0008U-H-PYLORI-ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE-SEQUENCING-PANEL

    CPT 0008U: H. pylori Antibiotic Resistance Gene Panel

    CPT-0009U-DEPARRAY-HER2-FISH-TUMOR-CELL-ISOLATION

    CPT 0009U: DEPArray HER2 Tumor‑Cell Isolation with FISH Analysis

    CPT-0010U-BACTERIAL-TYPING-WHOLE-GENOME-SEQUENCING-MAYO-CLINIC

    CPT 0010U: Bacterial Typing by Whole Genome Sequencing, Mayo Clinic

    CPT-0011U-CORDANT-CORE-ALGORITHMIC-ORAL-FLUID-DRUG-TEST

    CPT 0011U: Oral Fluid Drug Test with Algorithmic Steady‑State Comparison

    CPT-0016U-BCR-ABL1-MAJOR-MINOR-FUSION-TRANSCRIPT-TESTING

    CPT 0016U: BCR–ABL1 Major and Minor Breakpoint Fusion Transcripts

    Showing 1–10 of 536

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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