Clinical Immunogenetics Laboratory

The Clinical Immunogenetics Laboratory provides the following clinical services:

• HLA typing of patients, family members, and potential related and unrelated or cord blood donors prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) under research protocols.
• Description of HLA
• The Science Behind HLA (PDF)
• Request HLA Typing at SCCA
• HLA Sample Requisition (PDF)
• HLA Specimen Drawing and Storage Requirements (PDF)
• Chimerism Testing

• Evaluation of patient alloimmune status and antibody sensitization prior to HSCT. 
   
• Evaluation of previous HLA typing for the SCCA Clinical Coordinator Office prior to consult appointments (includes review of CIL and outside lab typing).
   
• Review and advice on HLA linkage for the Unrelated Donor Program to define efficient search strategies for unrelated donor/patient workups.  
   
• Chimerism testing of patients after HSCT (and for certain specific protocols before transplant) to determine recipient/donor origin of nucleated hematopoietic cells.

  Click here to learn more about the tests we offer.

Description of HLA

HLA stands for “Human Leukocyte Antigen.” These antigens are protein molecules we inherit from our parents.

The Science Behind HLA

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are cell surface proteins involved in immune function. Document in PDF format.

Request HLA Typing

We typically receive HLA typing requests from treating physicians, for example, your primary oncologist. While we can certainly discuss HLA typing with you directly, we recommend that your physician be involved to work with us.

Tests We Offer

The primary purpose of HLA testing is to identify suitable donors for patients being considered for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Chimerism Testing

The Clinical Immunogenetics Laboratory offers chimerism testing of patients after HSCT (and for certain specific protocols before transplant) to determine recipient/donor origin of nucleated hematopoietic cells.