Summary & Overview
CPT 0197U: Navigator LW Sequencing for LW Blood Group Antigen Analysis
CPT code 0197U denotes a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) test — the Navigator LW Sequencing assay from Grifols Immunohematology Center — that sequences gene regions to determine Landsteiner–Wiener (LW) blood group antigens. This molecular assay is clinically relevant for reducing adverse blood‑type incompatibility in transfusion medicine, organ transplantation, and perinatal care. As a PLA code, 0197U applies to a single manufacturer‑specific laboratory test and supports precise antigen typing beyond serologic methods.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise national overview of what the code represents, how it fits into clinical workflows, and the payer landscape relevant to molecular blood group testing. The publication provides benchmarks where available, summarizes clinical context for use of the Navigator LW Sequencing test, and outlines common billing considerations tied to this PLA code.
The analysis is intended for clinicians, laboratory directors, and billing professionals seeking to understand how CPT code 0197U maps to a specific genetic test, typical sites of service, and the payer environment. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0197U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator LW Sequencing test performed by Grifols Immunohematology Center using a blood specimen. The test analyzes specific gene sequences to identify Landsteiner–Wiener (LW) blood group antigens. Results may inform clinical decision-making to minimize adverse blood‑type incompatibility reactions in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and in pregnancy and newborn care.
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Service type: Genetic sequencing analysis for blood group antigen determination
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or reference laboratory processing blood specimens
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old pregnant woman with a history of a prior hemolytic transfusion reaction presents at an obstetrics clinic for prenatal care. Her blood bank records show discrepant or weak reactivity on standard serologic testing suggestive of uncommon Landsteiner–Wiener (LW) blood group antigen expression. The obstetrician orders a molecular blood group test — the Navigator LW Sequencing test (Grifols Immunohematology Center) — to sequence the specific LW-related gene regions from a peripheral blood specimen. The laboratory receives the EDTA whole blood sample, performs DNA extraction and targeted sequencing per the proprietary assay, and reports LW antigen genotype results to the transfusion medicine service and the obstetric team. Results inform selection of compatible donor blood for transfusion during delivery and guide fetal/newborn risk assessment for hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn (HDFN). Typical workflow steps: specimen collection (blood), test requisition with clinical indication (e.g., prior transfusion reaction, serologic discrepancy, pregnancy with alloimmunization), transport to the reference lab, sequencing and interpretation by the performing laboratory, and an electronic report transmitted to the ordering clinician and blood bank to support transfusion or perinatal management decisions.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation component if separate from the technical lab component and payer requires split billing. |