16.1 Preamble - HLA typing and HLA serology

DNA-based testing for HLA alleles has now completely replaced serological phenotyping and antibody detection/characterisation involves non-cell-based methods. This HLA section is constructed of three main parts, concerning:

For certain patient or donor investigations there is, of course, an overlap with the guidance given in this and the granulocyte/platelet immunology chapters (chapter 17 and chapter 18 respectively). This is particularly relevant to the laboratory investigations of platelet refractoriness and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), so diagrams are included (Figures 16.1 and 16.2) to indicate how the different guidelines relate to each other.

Last updated on 4 September 2023