Histocompatibility antigen test
What is Histocompatibility Antigen Test?
Histocompatibility antigen tests are used to determine the compatibility of an individual for organ, blood, or tissue transplantation. This test checks to see if the immune system of a person is capable of accepting a foreign tissue and rejecting the tissue of another person. By determining whether or not the antigens of one individual match the antigens of another, the risk of organ rejection and other transplant-related complications can be reduced. Histocompatibility antigen tests are also used to determine how well the body can fight off certain diseases, such as cancer.
Preparation for Histocompatibility Antigen Test
Before taking the histocompatibility antigen test, the patient's blood samples are taken. The samples are then prepared and sent to a laboratory for analysis. At the laboratory, the antigen pattern is determined using a process called antigen typing. Antigen typing examines the sequence of amino acids that make up a particular antigen and then uses this data to determine whether or not it is compatible with another individual.
Procedure for Histocompatibility Antigen Test
- The doctor will take a sample of the patient’s blood
- The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis
- In the laboratory, the sample is examined for its antigen pattern
- Using the antigen pattern, the laboratory then determines whether or not the antigens are compatible with the antigens of an organ donor or tissue donor
Types of Histocompatibility Antigens
Histocompatibility antigens are proteins found on the outer layer of white blood cells. These antigens are divided into two major groups: HLA-A and HLA-B antigens. Each of these groups has many subtypes, which can be further divided into haplotypes. Different HLA-A and HLA-B haplotypes have different levels of compatibility with different organs and tissues.
Risks of Histocompatibility Antigen Test
Histocompatibility antigen testing is generally safe, with minimal risk to the patient. However, there are some rare cases where a false positive result can occur. In these cases, the antigens of organs or tissues that are not actually compatible with the patient's antigens can be detected. This can lead to rejection of the organ or tissue, or other transplant-related complications.
Why are Histocompatibility Antigen Tests Important?
Histocompatibility antigen tests are important because they are used to determine the compatibility of organs or tissue between different individuals. This ensures that the body can accept the foreign tissue and reduce the risk of organ rejection or other complications. Without these tests, the risk of organ and tissue transplantation would be much higher.
When to Get Tested for Histocompatibility Antigens?
Histocompatibility antigen tests are typically done when organ transplantation is being considered. The test results will then be used to determine the best donor for the patient. The test can also be done for other reasons related to the immune system, such as determining the risk of autoimmune disease or cancer.
