HLA-ABC Typing Results: Significance of A2, A24, B38, B46

HLA-ABC report?

The HLA-ABC typing serologic results indicate the specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles present in the individual.
In this case, the results show A2, A24 for the A locus and B38, B46 for the B locus.

This information is significant for several reasons:
1.
Transplant Compatibility: HLA typing is crucial for organ transplantation as it helps determine compatibility between donors and recipients.
The closer the match, the lower the risk of transplant rejection.
2.
Disease Association: Certain HLA types are associated with specific autoimmune diseases or conditions.
Knowing the HLA type can provide insights into potential health risks.
3.
Bone Marrow Donation: For patients needing a bone marrow transplant, HLA typing helps identify suitable donors.
Overall, these results are essential for guiding clinical decisions related to transplantation and understanding potential health implications.

Zhu, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/06/30

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine

Hello, HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, which is an abbreviation for the last word in the phrase.
HLA molecules are extracellular characteristics, and all cells within the same individual express the same HLA profile, serving as a cellular identification similar to a fingerprint.
Among HLA molecules, the most important are Class I and Class II, with Class I including three subtypes: A, B, and C.
Each subtype has different alleles, which are numbered by adding digits after the letters A, B, or C.
Therefore, the test results only reflect the presence of various alleles in your HLA-ABC expression.
The primary clinical purpose of arranging HLA-ABC typing is for organ transplantation preparation and paternity testing.
The most crucial factor for successful organ transplantation is to assess the similarity of these surface characteristics between different individuals.
The higher the similarity, the lower the chance of rejection; similarly, the higher the similarity, the greater the likelihood of a blood relationship between the two individuals.
Thus, this result serves as another form of identification, which can be compared with another individual when necessary, providing a reference for future organ transplantation or paternity testing.
The Changhua Hospital, Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2013/06/30

More Info

HLA-ABC typing is a crucial test in immunology and transplantation medicine, as it helps identify the specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules present on an individual's cells. The results you provided, A2, A24; B38, B46, indicate the specific alleles of the HLA-A and HLA-B loci that are expressed in your body.
To break it down further, HLA molecules are proteins found on the surface of cells that play a vital role in the immune system. They help the body recognize which cells belong to it and which are foreign, such as those from a transplanted organ or pathogen. HLA typing is essential for several reasons:
1. Organ Transplantation: One of the primary uses of HLA typing is to assess compatibility between organ donors and recipients. The closer the match between the HLA types of the donor and recipient, the lower the risk of transplant rejection. In your case, the presence of A2 and A24 alleles for HLA-A and B38 and B46 for HLA-B indicates the specific HLA types that can be compared with potential donors or recipients.

2. Bone Marrow Transplantation: Similar to organ transplantation, HLA typing is critical in bone marrow transplants. A close match can significantly improve the chances of a successful transplant and reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

3. Disease Association: Certain HLA types are associated with an increased risk of specific autoimmune diseases. For example, individuals with certain HLA-B alleles may have a higher risk of developing conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis. While your results do not directly indicate any disease, they can be part of a broader assessment if there are clinical symptoms present.

4. Paternity Testing: HLA typing can also be used in paternity testing, as it helps determine biological relationships based on shared HLA markers.

5. Transfusion Medicine: In some cases, HLA typing can be used to identify compatible blood donors for patients who have developed antibodies against certain HLA types due to previous transfusions or pregnancies.

In summary, your HLA-ABC typing results (A2, A24; B38, B46) provide valuable information regarding your immune profile and compatibility for organ or tissue transplantation. If you are considering a transplant or have a family member who may need one, these results will be instrumental in finding a suitable donor. Additionally, if you have any autoimmune conditions or are at risk for them, discussing these results with your healthcare provider may provide further insights into your health status.

It's important to note that while HLA typing is a powerful tool, it is just one part of a comprehensive medical assessment. If you have specific concerns or symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can interpret these results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

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