An overview of HLA typing for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The selection of a related or an unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor for a patient requires accurate matching of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes in order to maximize the beneficial effects of the transplant. There are various different factors a laboratory must consider in order to achieve an HLA type including the number of samples being processed, level of resolution to be achieved, cost of providing the various tests, and turnaround time required. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and in most laboratories, a combination of methods may be used.