Human leukocyte antigens (HLA)

HLA testing is usually performed only in the setting of a planned transplantation where you are either the intended transplant recipient or a possible donor. Testing identifies which human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and antigens you have inherited and detects antibodies to HLA antigens that would cause transplants to be unsuccessful; testing may also be done to identify HLA antigen types in platelet blood donors that match transfusion recipients. Most often, transplant recipients are tested when it is determined that they need a solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant. Prior to transplant, potential donors are tested when they are being evaluated for compatibility with a specific recipient or are signing up with a national donor registry.