Hla Typing
Before any individual can accept a donor organ it is highly recommended that they have the HLA typing process carried out. If it is not carried out and the individual does in fact possess HLAs then the organ transplanted or given via donor will be rejected and premature death could potentially occur.
Today, HLA typing is a highly detailed and refined process which requires a blood sample from the individual to receive a donor organ, blood transfusion, skin graft or bone marrow transplant. The blood sample is separated to reveal the serum which contains that particular individual's antigens. This serum is then diluted and the antigens can be examined by a professional. Forensic scientists trained in the area of HLA typing are able to determine whether serum contains HLAs and whether an organ will be accepted or rejected by the body.
The Human Leukocyte Antigen is found on the surface of all cells within the body, so if they are found within the blood then any organ transplant surgery will be unsuccessful. Sometimes it is possible to determine the likelihood of an individual possessing HLAs by looking at the cells of their siblings too, as HLAs are inherited from both parents, giving a 1 in 4 chance of an individual also possessing the antigen if their brother or sister does too.
In rare cases Human Leukocyte Antigens are useful in treating Autoimmune diseases and HLA typing is carried out for this reason. Also, some Women's bodies reject that of their fetus because the HLAs read the unborn infant's tissues as foreign and therefore a danger. If a Woman's mother or another female relative has suffered from this condition then they might want to have HLA typing carried out to determine whether this will happen when they get pregnant too.
The process of HLA Typing is much the same as that of DNA Profiling and genetic fingerprinting except that it requires a blood sample, whereas many of the others will accept saliva or cheek swabs. It may be a relatively unheard of process in mainstream society but to the individuals and the close relatives of individuals who have HLA Typing carried out, the process is incredibly precious and can even indicate the difference between life and death. .