HLA-B Typing

The Human Leucocyte Antigen Typing test (HLA) is a genetic test that is used to determine donor and patient compatibility. The test is done to clear a patient for safe cord blood, bone marrow, or organ transplant. HLA Typing gauges a couple of factors related to your immune system.

HLA system is a vital part of your immune system. It comprises a group of genes that form a protein, which is present on almost every cell of your body. There are colour patterns present on these proteins, which are used by the HLA-B Typing test to find a match.

These colour variations and patterns found on the HLA proteins put together your specific HLA type. These HLA types vary in gene number and colour variations. The transplant procedure can move forward once there is a match in HLA types. The HLA Typing test is also performed post the transplant process to check for antibodies against the transplanted tissue in your bloodstream.

If these antibodies are found, it means that they are about to attack a specific HLA colour string. This might result in an organ rejection, and then a transplant failure. If you are a potential tissue recipient, it is mandatory to get this test done. The donor also has to undertake the HLA-B typing test. This includes organ donors who are recently deceased or terminally ill.

The results of the HLA Typing test are determined based on how closely the donor’s and recipient’s HLAs match. If they match close enough, then the transplant will have a lower risk of complications. So, finding a good HLA match is critical for a successful tissue transplant.

The HLA-B Typing test is done under specific conditions. They are as follows:

• Stem-cell transplants: Transplants for various types of genetic disorders and blood cancer types. (e.g., sickle cell disease)
• Solid-organ transplants: organ transplants for organs damaged due to infection, genetic illnesses, toxins, autoimmune disease, trauma, etc.

Besides checking for antibodies, the test also performs a lymphocyte cross-matching. This procedure checks for antibodies in the recipient’s blood for the donor’s proteins.

The HLA-B Typing test uses a blood sample drawn from the vein in your arm. You may also be asked to provide a swab sample. There are no prior requirements or preparations necessary for the test.

Apollo’s HLA Typing test cost is ₹6,000, and the results are generally obtained within 8 days. In an ideal scenario, the HLA types of the donor and the recipient will be perfectly matched. But in a realistic scenario, the HLA types must at least be a good match.