Tissue Typing
If a transplanted tissue does not possess the same HLA antigens present in the recipient’s tissues, the body rejects it.
Experimental observation has revealed that these “histocompatibility antigens” are responsible for humoral and cellular reactions in the immunological recognition and communication processes and can restrict the immune response on which the transplant rejection is based.
Before the transplant, it must be established that donor and recipient are HLA-compatible by tissue typing (study of tissue molecules).
HLA typing is always carried out:
- to diagnose diseases that show an association with antigens of the HLA system, such as early onset insulin-dependent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and some auto-immune pathologies
- for the preliminary tests indispensable in organ transplants, to check the similarity of genetically determined tissue antigens on the cells of both donor and recipients
Therefore, if the purpose of the test is for learning “in advance” the compatibility of the sample, or there is a family member who could “potentially” use it, parents can request the HLA compatibility test as an additional service at the same time as the storage service before the birth. The test is performed when the cord sample arrives in the laboratory. In this case the cost of the test is €350.00 Vat inclusive and is charged to the parents.
However, if there is no urgency, HLA typing can easily be carried out at any age with a simple peripheral blood test.
If the test is needed because the sample is to be used immediately after storage, the cost of testing the sample is included in SmartBank’s service.
