Donor Matching HLA Test

Transplants rely upon matching donors to the recipient. For bone marrow transplants, basically, there are 6 key factors analyzed for a match. They are classified as Class 1 and Class 2 HLA markers: Class 1 (A, B, C) and Class 2 (DR, DQ, DP). For a match, the first 4 HLA markers must match, being A, B, C and DR. Matching DQ is beneficial, but not necessary. Matching DP is a bonus.

From a medical standpoint, there are 8 key factors in the matching process.

Class 1 A, HLA Locus A - must be matched
Class 1 B, HLA Locus B - must be matched
Class 1 C, HLA Locus C - must be matched
DR A - need not be matched
DR B 1 - must be matched
DR B 3, 4, 5 - patient is typed, need not be matched
DQ A 1 - need not be matched
DQ B 1 - uncertain whether matching improves success
DP A 1 - need not be matched
DP B 1 -uncertain whether matching improves success

For more information, refer to http://www.marrow.org/PHYSICIAN/Adv_in_Auto_Allo_Tx/Adv_in_HLA_Typing/index.html