Immunology analyses and HLA genotyping

Immunology tests at the HLA laboratory are performed in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplants to ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient, and during transplant follow-up. They are also performed for people who are refractory to platelet transfusions, for certain diagnoses and treatment choices, and for maintaining registries of HLA-compatible platelet donors (see the Immunology analyses and platelet genotyping section), stem cell donors, and cord blood donors.

The laboratory performs serology testing for class I and class II anti-HLA antibodies and HLA genotyping to guide the selection of stem cell donors for people awaiting a:

• related transplant;
• unrelated transplant (donor from a stem cell and cord blood registry);
• haploidentical transplant.

It provides services in:

• Class I and Class II anti-HLA antibody screening and identification;
• HLA genotyping using SSO (low resolution) and using NGS (high resolution) for the HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, DRB5, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 and DPB1 loci.