HLA typing
| Category | Immunology >> Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics |
|---|---|
| Test background |
HLA typing at high resolution for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and –DPB1 is performed using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This technique identifies the DNA sequence at each of the gene targets. |
| Clinical Indications |
High resolution HLA typing for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and –DPB1 is performed for all renal and stem cell transplant patients and their respective donors. This resolution of HLA typing is of particular importance in the HSCT setting where a high level of matching between donor and recipient increases the chance of graft survival. It is particularly relevant in the unrelated donor setting where high resolution typing allows mismatches between donor and recipient to be assessed. HLA typing is also used to test for disease association antigens such as HLA-DQB1 typing to aid in the diagnosis of Coeliac disease. The presence of both HLA-DQA1*05:01 and DQB1*02:01 (DQ2) (DQ2.5 haplotype) and DQB1*03:02 (DQ8) are found in >97% of patients with coeliac disease. In cases where HLA typing is used prognostically, or as a tool to aid diagnosis, it is essential that the request includes information on the suspected condition(s). |
| Reference range | An HLA tissue typing report will be provided. For disease association testing a positive or negative result will be issued for the antigen of interest. |
| Sample & container required | 4mL Whole Blood – EDTA (lavender top) 2x Buccal swabs (swab kit to be requested from laboratory as required for HSCT patients and donors only) |
| Sample volume | 4 mL |
| Turnaround time | Renal/ pancreas patients and donors -30 days HSCT patients and donors - 30 days Disease association testing- 14 days. |
| Notes | Samples must be sent via first class post or courier. The laboratory is accredited for this test by the European Federation of Immunogenetics (EFI) and UKAS for HLA typing using EDTA samples and buccal swabs. |