Laboratory of HLA Serology

The department is included in the Complement of the laboratories of the IHBT. It continuously advocates an independent and impartial assessment of the professional competence of the Complement of Laboratories according to the ČSN EN ISO 15189 standard, the application of which is verified by the Czech Institute for Accreditation. The test methods within the scope of accreditation are defined by the Annex to the Certificate of Accreditation in the current version, which is available on the IHBT website.

The HLA serology laboratory deals with the detection and identification of HLA antibodies (HLA = Human Leukocyte Antigens - the main histocompatibility system of humans), as well as the performance of the lymphocytotoxic crossmatch test and serotyping of HLA antigens. The basic method used for these tests is the standard lymphocytotoxicity test. In addition, highly sensitive solid phase methods (bead-based multiplex assays using the Luminex® xMAP® technology) are used for the detection and identification of HLA antibodies.

Screening and identification of HLA antibodies is performed:

• in the prevention of HLA allosensitisation in polytransfused patients, especially in patients indicated for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• in the selection of an HLA compatible blood donor for patients who are already refractory to platelet administration
• in the prophylaxis of serious post-transfusion reactions, in particular TRALI (Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury), following the administration of transfusion products from blood donors with a history of immunisation (transfusion, pregnancy)

Lymphocytotoxic cross-matching is used:

• in the selection of donors of transfusion products in order to improve the effectiveness of haemotherapy and prevent post-transfusion reactions
• in the selection of HLA haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell donors prior to transplantation

Serotyping of HLA class I antigens is mainly performed:

• for specialised donors of blood and blood components, especially platelets, intended for refractory patients
• in patients refractory to the administration of platelet transfusions
• as a tool in the differential diagnosis of certain diseases in rheumatology, immunology, ophthalmology and others; individual HLA antigens (especially HLA-B27) determination

The laboratory staff participates in teaching activities within the framework of specialisation training of physicians, graduated non-physicians and medical laboratory technicians.

The staff is bound by confidentiality according to the Health Services Act, 372/2011 Coll.

Confidence and high data security is one of the basic priorities within the activities of the Complement of Laboratories of the IHBT. The established procedures are carried out in accordance with the Personal Data Processing Act 110/2019 Coll. and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC. More information is available on the IHBT website