Tissue typing

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Histocompatibility testing)

Tissue typing is a group of methods that are used to determine the type of tissue a person has. This information is used in organ transplantation to match donors with recipients. The goal is to minimize the risk of organ rejection by the recipient's immune system.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Tissue typing involves testing to identify the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) molecules present on the cells of a person. These molecules are proteins that help the immune system distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign cells. There are many different types of HLA molecules, and each person has a unique combination of them.

Methods[edit | edit source]

There are several methods used for tissue typing. These include:

  • Serology: This is the oldest method of tissue typing. It involves testing the blood for the presence of certain antibodies. The results can give a rough estimate of the HLA types present, but it is not as precise as other methods.
  • PCR: This method uses a process called polymerase chain reaction to make many copies of the DNA that codes for the HLA molecules. The DNA can then be analyzed to determine the HLA types present.
  • DNA sequencing: This is the most precise method of tissue typing. It involves determining the exact sequence of the DNA that codes for the HLA molecules.

Importance in Organ Transplantation[edit | edit source]

Tissue typing is crucial in organ transplantation. The closer the match between the donor's and the recipient's HLA types, the less likely it is that the recipient's immune system will reject the transplanted organ. However, even with a good match, there is still a risk of rejection, and recipients usually need to take immunosuppressive drugs to reduce this risk.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Tissue typing Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD