Summary & Overview
CPT 86833: HLA Class II Antibody Solid Phase Immunoassay
CPT code 86833 represents a laboratory immunoassay that detects specific Class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies using a high-definition solid phase method, such as one antigen per bead. This testing is clinically important for transplant compatibility assessment, immunologic risk stratification, and post-transplant monitoring. Nationally, standardized coding for HLA antibody testing supports consistent laboratory reporting and billing for specialized immunogenetics services.
Key payers included in this publication are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of what CPT code 86833 covers, typical clinical and laboratory contexts, and the common reimbursement and billing modifiers associated with specialized lab services. The summary highlights benchmarks and coverage perspectives relevant to major commercial payers and Medicare, as well as operational considerations for laboratory service lines.
This brief guides clinicians, lab managers, and billing professionals through the code’s clinical purpose, typical sites of service, and the practical implications for billing workflows. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable, and the publication does not provide clinical recommendations or state-specific policy details.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 86833 describes a solid phase immunoassay performed by a laboratory analyst using patient serum to detect specific Class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. The method is a high-definition approach that targets one antigen per bead, allowing precise identification of antibodies to individual HLA Class II antigens.
Service type: Laboratory immunoassay — HLA Class II antibody testing
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory setting
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old kidney transplant candidate is referred to the histocompatibility laboratory for pre-transplant antibody screening. The laboratory receives a serum specimen collected at the transplant clinic and the lab analyst performs a solid-phase immunoassay using high-definition single antigen bead methodology to detect and identify patient antibodies directed against specific Class II HLA antigens. Results guide donor selection and crossmatch planning; a positive specific antibody to donor HLA class II may prompt additional testing (e.g., virtual crossmatch, flow cytometric crossmatch) or influence allocation decisions. Typical workflow: specimen accessioning → serum separation → performance of 86833 single antigen bead assay on automated platform → data acquisition on Luminex or equivalent → analyst review and reporting to transplant physician and transplant coordinator.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation/reporting component separate from the technical lab work (rare for high-complexity lab tests where global lab company bills). |
59 |