HLA - Panel Reactive IgG Antibodies (PRA) Screen Test
Short Name: HLA PRA Screen
Also known as: PRA Screen Test, Panel Reactive Antibody Screen, HLA Antibody Screen, PRA IgG Screen, Sensitization Screen
HLA - Panel Reactive IgG Antibodies (PRA) Screen Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹8,500. Uses Luminex X-Map Technology on Serum samples. Results in Results are typically available within 10–12 working days from sample collection. Reports can be accessed through the online patient portal, received via email, or delivered through WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
Overview
The primary purpose of the HLA PRA Screen Test is to evaluate the degree of immunological sensitization in patients awaiting organ transplantation. By identifying preformed IgG antibodies against Class I and Class II HLA antigens, the test helps transplant teams assess the risk of hyperacute and acute antibody-mediated rejection. The results guide organ allocation decisions, donor-recipient matching, desensitization protocol planning, and the consideration of alternative transplant strategies such as paired kidney exchange programs.
- Test Code
- 799
- CPT Code
- 86812
- ICD Code
- Z94.0
- Price
- ₹8,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Results are typically available within 10–12 working days from sample collection. Reports can be accessed through the online patient portal, received via email, or delivered through WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Luminex X-Map Technology
Sample Collection
Collect specimen preferably 48 hours after the last dialysis session. Provide a brief clinical history including transfusion history, prior transplant history, and pregnancy history. No fasting is required. Inform the phlebotomist about any ongoing immunosuppressive or immunoglobulin therapy.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A standard venipuncture will be performed. Approximately 3 mL of blood will be drawn into a Serum Separator Tube (SST). The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes.
Report Delivery
Apply gentle pressure to the puncture site with cotton wool for 3–5 minutes. No specific post-collection restrictions apply. Resume normal activities immediately.
Timeline: Results are typically available within 10–12 working days from sample collection. Reports can be accessed through the online patient portal, received via email, or delivered through WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the HLA PRA Screen Test is to evaluate the degree of immunological sensitization in patients awaiting organ transplantation. By identifying preformed IgG antibodies against Class I and Class II HLA antigens, the test helps transplant teams assess the risk of hyperacute and acute antibody-mediated rejection. The results guide organ allocation decisions, donor-recipient matching, desensitization protocol planning, and the consideration of alternative transplant strategies such as paired kidney exchange programs.
How to Prepare
- Collect specimen preferably 48 hours after the last dialysis session
- Use a Serum Separator Tube (SST) for blood collection
- Minimum volume required: 1.5 mL serum; preferred volume: 3 mL serum
- Ship specimen refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (-20°C)
- Provide brief clinical history including transfusion history, prior transplant, and pregnancy details
- Label the specimen accurately with patient name, date, and time of collection
Doctor's Notes
"The HLA PRA Screen is a critical first step in evaluating transplant sensitization. Patients with elevated PRA levels have a narrower pool of compatible donors, which can significantly increase waiting time for organ allocation. Early screening allows the transplant team to plan desensitization protocols, consider paired kidney exchange programs, and optimize immunosuppressive strategies before transplantation. I recommend all potential organ transplant recipients undergo PRA screening as part of their baseline evaluation."
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed, icteric, or severely lipemic samples
- Specimen collected in incorrect tube type (non-SST)
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1.5 mL serum)
- Specimen stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens
- Specimen collected less than 48 hours post-dialysis without documented justification
Understanding Your Results
No detectable IgG antibodies against HLA Class I and/or Class II antigens. This indicates a low degree of sensitization, suggesting a broader pool of compatible organ donors and a lower risk of antibody-mediated rejection.
Result type: Non-Reactive (Negative)
Low-level HLA antibody reactivity detected. The patient may have a mild degree of sensitization against HLA antigens, possibly from prior blood transfusions, pregnancy, or previous transplant exposure.
Result type: Reactive – Low Level
Moderate to strong HLA antibody reactivity detected. The patient is significantly sensitized, which narrows the compatible donor pool and increases the risk of hyperacute and acute antibody-mediated rejection.
Result type: Reactive – Moderate to Strong
Consult your transplant nephrologist or transplant surgeon if your PRA screen result is reactive. If you are currently on an organ transplant waiting list and experience changes in your clinical condition, receive blood transfusions, or become pregnant, inform your transplant team as these events may affect your sensitization status and warrant repeat testing.
Limitations
- ⚠This is a screening test; positive results require quantitative PRA testing and HLA antibody specificity analysis
- ⚠The test detects only IgG antibodies and does not assess IgM or IgA anti-HLA antibodies
- ⚠Results do not specify individual donor compatibility; a prospective crossmatch test is additionally required
- ⚠False negatives may occur in patients with very low antibody titers below the assay detection threshold
- ⚠Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical history and additional transplant immunology workup
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or swelling at the venipuncture site
- ●Slight discomfort or pain during needle insertion
- ●Very rare risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●Minimal risk of lightheadedness or fainting during blood draw
Interfering Factors
- ●Hemolyzed or lipemic samples may affect test accuracy
- ●Specimen collection within 48 hours of dialysis may yield inaccurate results
- ●Recent blood transfusions can transiently alter antibody levels
- ●Administration of immunoglobulin therapy or certain immunosuppressive drugs may interfere with results
- ●Improper sample storage or delayed transport can compromise specimen integrity
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | HLA - Panel Reactive IgG Antibodies (PRA) Screen Test | HLA PRA Quantitative | HLA Crossmatch Test | HLA Typing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | HLA - Panel Reactive IgG Antibodies (PRA) Screen Test | The PRA Screen is a qualitative/semi-qualitative test that detects the presence of HLA antibodies. The PRA Quantitative test provides an exact percentage of panel reactivity, indicating the proportion of the donor population against which the patient has antibodies. | While the PRA Screen assesses sensitization against a broad panel of HLA antigens, the crossmatch test directly evaluates donor-recipient compatibility by mixing the recipient's serum with the specific donor's lymphocytes. | HLA Typing identifies the patient's own HLA antigen profile, while the PRA Screen detects antibodies the patient has developed against foreign HLA antigens. Both are essential components of pre-transplant evaluation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HLA PRA Screen Test?
Why is the HLA PRA Screen Test important before organ transplantation?
What does a reactive PRA screen result mean?
What is the difference between PRA Screen and PRA Quantitative testing?
Is fasting required for the HLA PRA Screen Test?
What is the cost of the HLA PRA Screen Test in India?
How long does it take to get the HLA PRA Screen Test results?
What sample is required for the HLA PRA Screen Test?
Who should get the HLA PRA Screen Test done?
Can a person with a high PRA percentage still undergo organ transplantation?
Is home sample collection available for the HLA PRA Screen Test?
How is the HLA PRA Screen Test performed?
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We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
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