HLA typing

HLA typing refers to tissue type matching for transplant purposes. HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen. HLA antigens are detected on the surface of white cells (leukocytes) from a blood specimen, but they reside on the surface of all body cells. These antigens regulate how the body can recognize and reject foreign tissue. HLA antigens are distinct from the A, B, and Rhesus factor (Rh) antigens found on red blood cells (remember that there is no O antigen - "O" just means absence of either A or B ;-).

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