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HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test

Short Name: HLA Class I Typing

Also known as: HLA Class I Typing, HLA A B C Typing, MHC Class I Typing, Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Test, HLA ABC Serology

HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹12,051. Uses Reverse SSOP - Luminex on Whole Blood samples. Results in 10-12 days from sample collection. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Specialized DiagnosticAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

Overview

The primary purpose of the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test is to determine the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C allele profile of an individual. This information is critical for organ and tissue transplantation compatibility assessment, where matching HLA antigens between the donor and recipient significantly reduces the risk of graft rejection and improves transplant outcomes. The test is also used to assess disease susceptibility for autoimmune conditions, to support hematopoietic stem cell transplant (bone marrow) donor matching, and for forensic identification purposes. Identifying the HLA profile helps physicians make informed decisions about transplant eligibility and donor selection.

Test Code
779
CPT Code
81372
ICD Code
Z00.6
Price
₹12,051
Sample Type
Whole Blood
Result Time
10-12 days from sample collection
Fasting Required
No
Method
Reverse SSOP - Luminex
Step 1

Sample Collection

A doctor's prescription on official letterhead with one photograph each of the recipient and donor, duly stamped, is mandatory. A signed Consent Form for HLA Typing for Solid Organ Transplant (Form 33) must accompany the prescription. No fasting is required. Inform the phlebotomist about any recent blood transfusions or stem cell transplants.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 4 mL of whole blood via venipuncture into a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube or 6 mL into a Yellow Top (ACD) tube. The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Apply gentle pressure on the venipuncture site with cotton wool for 3-5 minutes. Avoid strenuous activity with the arm used for collection. The blood sample will be shipped refrigerated to the laboratory. Do not freeze the sample.

Timeline: 10-12 days from sample collection

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No fasting is required. Bring the doctor's prescription on official letterhead with stamped photographs of both the recipient and donor. Ensure the signed Consent Form for HLA Typing for Solid Organ Transplant (Form 33) is completed. Inform the lab about any recent blood transfusions or previous transplants.
2
During the Test:A phlebotomist will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using standard venipuncture. The procedure is quick, typically lasting less than 5 minutes. Mild discomfort or a small bruise may occur at the puncture site.
3
After the Test:After blood collection, apply pressure on the puncture site for 3-5 minutes. You may resume normal activities immediately. Results will be available in 10-12 days via the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The primary purpose of the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test is to determine the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C allele profile of an individual. This information is critical for organ and tissue transplantation compatibility assessment, where matching HLA antigens between the donor and recipient significantly reduces the risk of graft rejection and improves transplant outcomes. The test is also used to assess disease susceptibility for autoimmune conditions, to support hematopoietic stem cell transplant (bone marrow) donor matching, and for forensic identification purposes. Identifying the HLA profile helps physicians make informed decisions about transplant eligibility and donor selection.

How to Prepare

  • Collect 4 mL (minimum 3 mL) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube OR 6 mL (minimum 3 mL) in 1 Yellow Top (ACD) tube
  • Ship the sample refrigerated. DO NOT FREEZE the sample
  • Attach the doctor's prescription on letterhead with stamped photographs of recipient and donor
  • Include the signed Consent Form for HLA Typing for Solid Organ Transplant (Form 33)
  • Label the sample correctly with patient name, date of birth, and sample collection date
  • Ensure the sample tube is gently mixed 8-10 times after collection to prevent clotting

Doctor's Notes

"HLA ABC Class I typing is a cornerstone investigation in solid organ transplantation. A high-resolution match at HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C loci between recipient and donor significantly improves graft survival and reduces the risk of acute and chronic rejection. This test should always be interpreted alongside crossmatch results and panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels for a comprehensive transplant workup. Early typing allows timely donor identification and better transplant outcomes."

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeWhole Blood
Sample Volume4 mL in EDTA tube OR 6 mL in ACD tube
Container1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube OR 1 Yellow Top (ACD) tube
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room Temperature
Refrigerated (2-8°C)
Frozen
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed, clotted, or insufficient sample volume
  • Missing doctor's prescription on letterhead with stamped photographs
  • Missing or incomplete Consent Form for HLA Typing for Solid Organ Transplant (Form 33)
  • Sample shipped frozen or at room temperature for extended periods
  • Sample received more than 96 hours after collection
  • Incorrect sample container used

Understanding Your Results

HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test results report the specific HLA alleles present at the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C loci. These results are interpreted in the context of the clinical indication, whether for transplant compatibility, autoimmune disease risk assessment, or other purposes. Each individual carries two alleles per locus (one paternal, one maternal), and the degree of match between donor and recipient HLA antigens is a key determinant of transplant success.
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The donor and recipient share identical HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C antigens. This is the ideal scenario for transplantation with the lowest risk of immune-mediated graft rejection.

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The donor and recipient share most but not all HLA Class I antigens. Transplantation may still proceed but may require closer immunological monitoring and potentially more intensive immunosuppressive therapy.

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Significant HLA mismatch increases the risk of acute and chronic graft rejection. Alternative donors should be considered if available. If no better match exists, enhanced immunosuppression protocols may be needed.

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Certain HLA alleles are associated with increased susceptibility to specific autoimmune conditions. For example, HLA-B27 is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Results should be correlated with clinical findings and other laboratory data.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult your transplant physician, nephrologist, or hematologist to interpret HLA typing results in the context of your transplant workup. If disease-susceptibility HLA alleles are detected, consult a rheumatologist or immunologist for further evaluation. Always discuss results with your treating specialist before making any clinical decisions.

Limitations

  • This test identifies Class I HLA antigens only (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C); Class II typing (HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, HLA-DP) requires a separate test
  • Molecular typing may report alleles at antigen-level or allele-level resolution depending on methodology
  • Rare or novel alleles may not be identified by the probe set used and may require additional testing
  • This test does not assess the functional status of the immune system
  • Results should be interpreted alongside crossmatch and PRA testing for transplant workup

Risks & Considerations

  • Minor bruising or discomfort at the venipuncture site
  • Rare risk of fainting during blood draw
  • Very rare risk of infection at the puncture site
  • No significant long-term risks associated with the test itself

Interfering Factors

  • Recent blood transfusion (within 3-6 months) may interfere with accurate HLA typing due to circulating donor DNA
  • Bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients may have mixed chimerism affecting results
  • Sample contamination or improper handling can affect molecular assay accuracy
  • Hemolyzed or clotted blood samples may yield unreliable results
  • Improper storage temperature during sample transit can degrade DNA quality

Compare With Similar Tests

TestHLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing TestHLA - DQ (Class 2) Typing TestHLA - DR (Class 2) Typing TestCrossmatch TestPanel Reactive Antibody (PRA) Test
ComparisonHLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing TestWhile HLA Class I typing covers HLA-A, B, C antigens expressed on all nucleated cells, HLA Class II DQ typing identifies HLA-DQ antigens primarily expressed on antigen-presenting cells. Both are needed for complete transplant compatibility assessment.HLA-DR typing identifies Class II antigens that are crucial for transplant matching, particularly in kidney and bone marrow transplants. Combined with Class I typing, it provides a comprehensive HLA profile.The crossmatch test determines whether the recipient has pre-formed antibodies against the specific donor's HLA antigens. It complements HLA typing by assessing the immunological compatibility in real-time before transplantation.PRA testing measures the percentage of the population against which a recipient has pre-formed HLA antibodies. It indicates sensitization level and helps assess transplant difficulty. Unlike HLA typing which identifies the recipient's own antigens, PRA identifies antibodies against others' antigens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test?
The HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test is a molecular diagnostic test that identifies the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes at Class I loci, specifically HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C. These antigens are present on the surface of nearly all nucleated cells and play a vital role in immune system function by presenting intracellular peptides to cytotoxic T cells.
Why is the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test needed?
This test is primarily needed for organ and tissue transplantation to assess compatibility between the donor and recipient. A closer HLA match reduces the risk of graft rejection. It is also useful for evaluating disease susceptibility in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
What is the cost of the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test at DNA Labs India?
The cost of the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test at DNA Labs India is INR 12051. This includes home sample collection, laboratory processing, and digital report delivery via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
What sample is required for the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test?
The test requires 4 mL (minimum 3 mL) of whole blood collected in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube or 6 mL (minimum 3 mL) in a Yellow Top (ACD) tube. The sample must be shipped refrigerated and should not be frozen.
How long does it take to get the results of the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test?
Results are typically available within 10-12 days from the date of sample collection. The report can be accessed through the DNA Labs India online portal, received via email, or sent through WhatsApp.
Is fasting required before the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test?
No, fasting is not required for the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection. However, a doctor's prescription and consent form (Form 33) are mandatory.
What documents are required for the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test?
You need a doctor's prescription on official letterhead with one photograph each of the recipient and donor, duly stamped, along with a signed Consent Form for HLA Typing for Solid Organ Transplant (Form 33). These documents are mandatory for sample acceptance.
What are HLA Class I antigens and why are they important?
HLA Class I antigens (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C) are molecules encoded by genes on chromosome 6 that are expressed on nearly all nucleated cells. They present intracellular peptide fragments to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, enabling the immune system to detect infected or abnormal cells. In transplantation, differences in these antigens between donor and recipient are a major cause of graft rejection.
Who should get the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test?
This test is recommended for patients awaiting organ or tissue transplantation, potential organ donors, patients being evaluated for bone marrow or stem cell transplant, individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases, and patients with suspected HLA-associated drug hypersensitivity reactions.
Is the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test painful?
The test involves a standard blood draw through venipuncture, which causes minimal discomfort similar to any routine blood test. Some individuals may experience slight pain or a bruise at the puncture site, which typically resolves within a day or two.
Can the HLA - ABC (Class 1) Typing Test diagnose autoimmune diseases?
No, this test alone does not diagnose autoimmune diseases. It identifies HLA alleles that may be associated with increased susceptibility to certain autoimmune conditions. Results must be correlated with clinical symptoms, physical examination, and other laboratory investigations by a qualified physician for an accurate diagnosis.
What happens if my HLA does not match the donor's HLA?
If there is a significant HLA mismatch between you and the donor, the risk of organ or chronic rejection increases. Your transplant team will evaluate the overall compatibility, including crossmatch results and PRA levels, and may recommend a better-matched donor if available. If transplantation proceeds with a mismatch, enhanced immunosuppressive therapy and closer post-transplant monitoring will be necessary.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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