ÚHKT - Ústav hematologie a krevní transfuze
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Detection of HLA alleles associated with diseases

The HLA department ÚHKT has been organizing the quality control of "Detection of HLA alleles associated with diseases" since 2010.

This quality control is included among the international proficiency testing programs of the European Federation for Immunogenetics .

The following variants are offered within the MPZ:

  1. Alleles of DQ loci linked to celiac disease (DQA1*02, *03, * 05 ; DQB1*02, *03:02)
  2. B*27 (link with Bechterew's disease and other rheumatoid autoimmune diseases)
  3. DQB1*06:02 (link with narcolepsy)
  4. DRB1 epitopes (linkage with rheumatoid arthritis)
  5. C*06 (link with psoriasis)
  6. B*57:01 (Hypersensitivity to abacavir in HIV patients)
  7. A*02:01 (treatment of uveal melanoma with Kimmtrak®)
  8. C1/C2 haplotypes (infertility treatment)

The results sent from the laboratories are compared with the complete genotyping of the samples performed by the organizer using standardized methods accredited by the Czech Institute for Accreditation, as and the European Federation for Immunogenetics. Results that are in agreement with the organizer in ≥ 90% in the genotype category of the relevant HLA alleles are considered satisfactory. In the case of a link with celiac disease, the agreement must also be ≥ 90% in the serological equivalent category and 100% in assigning the result to the correct risk category of association with celiac disease (association present/rare/absent). All results and their evaluation are published to the participants on the website https://ept-hla.uhkt.cz/ . Each laboratory will receive a certificate of participation.

Guarantor: Ing. Milena Vraná

(NRL for DNA diagnostics ÚHKT, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20 Prague 2, milena.vrana@uhkt.cz )

Organization:

Based on the submitted application, we send all participants anonymized DNA samples for the required MPZ variants in sealed test tubes with a DNA number. Each tube contains approximately 50 μl of DNA of known concentration. At the same time, we send the samples to the laboratories with a link and login details for the web interface for recording the results. Participants pay a fee according to the selected quality control variant based on an invoice issued by the organizer.

The organization of the variant “DQ loci alleles associated with celiac disease” is divided into two rounds: the first round in the period March-June (5 samples), the second round in the period August-December (5 samples). Depending on your needs, you can decide to participate in the first and/or the second round. The second round can also be used as a remedial option in case of failure in the first round. Please note that we do not organize any further remedial rounds after the second round. In case of failure in the second round, you can participate in the quality checks in the spring of the following year. Thank you for your understanding.

Other EHK variants, i.e. B*27 , DQB1*06:02 , DRB1 epitopes, C*06 and B*57:01 , are organized in one round in the period March-June (5 samples). Upon request, 5 additional samples (total 10 samples) can be sent without increasing the price.

Extraordinary round:

If necessary, the laboratory can request samples to be sent outside the regular quality control rounds or for bindings that are not offered as standard. An extraordinary round must be arranged with Ing. Milena Vrana . Samples are then sent based on a binding application for an extraordinary round. The price of an extraordinary round is increased by 500 CZK compared to the regular round. If you are interested in an extraordinary round, please write to ept-hla@uhkt.cz . An extraordinary round can also be requested as a repair in the event of a failure in the regular round for all single-round variants.

Recommendations for interpreting HLA tests for diagnosing celiac disease can be found in the following article:

Vrana M, Tajtlova J and Mrazek F (2024)

Harmonization of the HLA tests for the diagnosis of celiac disease: experiences from the Czech external proficiency testing program.

Front. Genet. 15:1441769.

doi: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1441769

Information on currently ongoing MPZ:

All MPZs for 2025 have been completed and evaluated. Information on the organization of the new year's MPZ will be published here during January/February 2026.

In 2026, in cooperation with the Immunogenetics Section of the Czech Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, we are again organizing a working day for quality control participants "Determination of HLA characters associated with diseases - workshop 2025". The workshop will take place on February 18, 2026, as usual, in the premises of the Medical House of the Czech Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Prague. Further information will gradually be added to the page dedicated to the workshop

If you are interested in quality control, please send your applications and questions to the e-mail address ept-hla@uhkt.cz .

Please note that the procedure for evaluating the results of the association of DQ locus alleles with celiac disease has changed and is described in the “2023 Recommendations for the Diagnosis of HLA Predisposition to Celiac Disease” found below.