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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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HLA-A29 DETERMINATION

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2474    Geisinger Epic ID:  41910

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

5 mL whole blood


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
3 mL lavender-top (K2 EDTA) tube
4 mL green/green-top (sodium heparin) tube
Specimen required: 

5 mL whole blood (3mL minimum)


Special notes: 

If submitted with any other tests, please submit separate tube for this test. Do not open tube or split sample.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Do not open tube or split sample.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 7 days. Refrigerated 7 days frozen: Unacceptable.


Rejection criteria: 

Received frozen • Clotted



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  81381
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification/Sequence Specific Oligonucleotide Probes (PCR-SSO)
Synonyms: 

Birdshot retinochoroidopathy, BSCR, HLA-A29 DNA typing, Quest test code 16773, HLAA29


Clinical significance: 

HLA-A29 Determination - The HLA-A*29.02 allele is strongly associated with Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy (BSRC), an autoimmune disorder that can lead to severe visual impairment. Not all BSRC patients carry this allele and not all individuals with this allele develop the disease.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Randin Nelson MD
Review Date:  01/20/2026

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