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Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) is a protein found on White blood cells. They play a vital role in defending the body against viral or bacterial infections and determine the bodys response to drugs, vaccinations, autoimmune disorders and cancers. HLA types also form the basis for acceptance/ rejection of a transplanted organ/ bone marrow.

BMSTs NABH Accredited, HLA laboratory is one of the foremost testing facilities in India which carries out pre and post- transplant tests for both Bone Marrow Transplant as well as solid organ-Kidney, heart, liver- transplants.

With over 1900 tests in the year 2020 -21, the unique features of the lab are

  • One among very few labs in India to use advanced testing techniques for solid organ and bone marrow transplant
  • Tests for all cadaver donor transplants in Karnataka
  • Initiating latest methods and advocacy among the transplant community has resulted in rational and optimum testing protocols

At the HLA laboratory, the following tests are done:

  • CDC Crossmatch Donor & Patient
  • DSA Crossmatch
  • HLA Typing
  • Panel Reactive Antibody Testing
  • Single Antigen Test
  • HLA Antibody Screening Test
  • Flow Cytometric Crossmatch

CDC Cross Match:

Method: Serology

Clinical use: The CDC Cross Match is done to detect presence of pre-formed anti-donor HLA antibodies in the serum of potential recipients. The AHG CDC cross match detects these antibodies with greater sensitivity than the routine

Specimen required: Patient serum & donor’s ACD blood sample 20-30 ml

Luminex DSA Cross Match

Method: Luminex based cross match using donor lysate

Clinical use: To detect the presence of antibodies directed against the HLA antigens of the donor & specific HLA IgG antibodies against Class I and/or Class II antigens. It is ideal for pre- and post-transplant testing.

Specimen required: Patient serum (from 5 mL blood sample) & donor ACD blood sample, 20-30 ml

HLA typing AB DR

Method: SSO/SSP PCR, Intermediate resolution HLA typing

Clinical use: To identify the Human Leukocyte antigens/ HLA alleles present on the WBCs of the donor / patient for Bone Marrow as well as solid organ transplant

Specimen required: EDTA blood sample 5 ml

PRA / Panel reactive Antibody testing

Method: Luminex bead based Immunoassay

Clinical use: Class I and II ID panels provide antibody identification and panel-reactive antibody (PRA) information

Specimen required: Patient serum, 5 ml

Single Antigen test

Method: Luminex bead based Immunoassay

Clinical use: Immunoassays used to qualitatively detect the specificity of HLA, Class I & II IgG antibodies for optimized selection of donor for allosensitized patients especially patients waiting for deceased donor transplant

Specimen required: Patient serum (5 ml)

HLA Antibody Screening Test:

Method: Serology / Bead based Immunoassay

Clinical use: This test detects IgG antibodies to HLA Class I and Class II antigens. The presence or absence of these antibodies has a role in determining the survival of transplant allografts

Specimen required: Patient Serum collected from 4- 5 ml whole blood sample

Flowcytometric Crossmatch:

Method: Serology/Flowcytometry

Clinical use: Flowcytometric crossmatch is a sensitive and accurate test to detect the presence of donor-specific low titre anti-HLA antibodies. his method utilizes a multicolored approach with fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibody to discriminate T-cells from B-cells.

Specimen required: Patient serum & donor’s ACD blood sample 20-30 ml

With our expertise and experience in the field of Transplant Immunology since 1996, we offer clinical correlation & advice for transplant cases

Key Features of BMST HLA Laboratory:

  • NABH Accredited
  • Luminex based testing – e. automated, higher support for clinical efficacy
  • Quick reporting: Results between 24 and 72 hours, as against the usual benchmark of 1 week
  • Minimal service charges being a not-for-profit entity
  • Review by experts in Transplant Immunology. Each test is reviewed by the Expert Panel on Transplant Immunology to ensure 100% coverage and quality

Molecular Biology Laboratory

The Molecular Biology Lab carried out screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) by Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) methods for the India-Canada Collaborative HIV/AIDS Project (ICHAP) of University of Manitoba, Canada & Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), now renamed Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) with Gates Foundation funding, and for Family Health International (FHI).

Hospitals using our HLA lab

    Heart Transplant

    A deceased Heart donor was available at a tertiary Hospital. The hospital had two potential recipients & basic tests found both of them suitable for the transplant. Antibody screening and Single antigen bead assay was done & found one patient to be unsuitable. Based on the test results the hospital selected the suitable patient and the transplant outcome was successful.