Summary & Overview
CPT 0222U: Navigator Rh Blood Group NGS Test
CPT code 0222U identifies a proprietary next‑generation sequencing laboratory test — the Navigator Rh Blood Group NGS from Grifols Immunohematology Center — used to determine Rh blood group antigens from a blood specimen. Nationally, this PLA code matters because it standardizes reporting for a single‑manufacturer genomic assay that informs transfusion, transplant, and perinatal care to reduce antigen incompatibility risks.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for Rh antigen genotyping, typical sites of service, and common billing considerations. The publication summarizes available benchmarks where present, highlights policy and coding guidance relevant to PLA codes, and explains clinical implications for use of targeted genomic Rh typing in transfusion medicine and maternal–fetal care.
This summary is intended for a national audience of clinicians, laboratory directors, and reimbursement analysts seeking clear information on what CPT code 0222U represents, which payers are commonly engaged, and what topics (benchmarks, policy updates, and clinical context) are covered in the full publication.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0222U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator Rh Blood Group NGS test from Grifols Immunohematology Center. The test uses next‑generation sequencing of specific gene sequences to determine Rh blood group antigens. Results can help clinicians minimize adverse blood‑type incompatibility reactions in blood transfusion, organ transplant, pregnancy, and newborn care.
Service type: Genetic sequencing for Rh blood group antigen typing (laboratory diagnostic test)
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory using a blood specimen
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a pregnant person or a patient requiring blood transfusion or organ transplant evaluation whose prior serologic Rh typing is ambiguous or shows rare Rh variants. The clinician collects a peripheral blood specimen and sends it to the Grifols Immunohematology Center for the Navigator Rh Blood Group NGS test (0222U). The laboratory performs targeted next-generation sequencing of Rh blood group genes to determine specific Rh antigens and alleles. Results are used by transfusion medicine specialists, obstetricians, transplant teams, and newborn care providers to minimize hemolytic transfusion reactions, manage alloimmunization in pregnancy, guide antigen-matched blood selection, and assess donor–recipient compatibility. Typical workflow steps: physician orders test, phlebotomy obtains anticoagulated blood specimen, courier transports specimen to the performing laboratory, laboratory performs sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, laboratory issues a report of Rh antigen genotypes to ordering clinician, and transfusion or perinatal management decisions are informed by the report.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation component if separated from the technical component. |