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After tissue typing is completed and a potential donoris identified, there is a second test which will indicateif there is specific immune reactivity between thedonor and recipient. This test is the "crossmatch".The crossmatch is performed by mixing a very smallamount of the patient's serum with a very smallamount of the potential donor's white cells.Remember that the white cells have the HumanLeukocyte Antigens on their surface. The patient, onthe other hand, may have a protein in their serumwhich could injure the donor's cells by attacking theHuman Leukocyte Antigens. This protein is calledantibody. By exposing the patient's serum to thedonor's Hurnan Leukocyte Antigens, we can see if areaction will take place. If the patient has antibody tothe donor's HLA, the donor's cells will be injured andthis is referred to as a "positive crossmatch". Apositive crossmatch is a contraindication to transplant,since it signifies that the patient has the ability todestroy the donor's cells, and would, most likelydestroy the donor's implanted kidney (organ).Therefore, we hope that the crossmatch result will benegative. A negative crossmatch indicates that thepatient does not have the HLA antibody against thatparticular donor, and a transplant can be performed. |
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A patient can develop antibody after a pregnancy, atransfusion, or a transplant, that can cause a positivecrossmatch. For this reason, it is very important, thatthe patient submit a blood sample to the TissueTyping Laboratory no later than 7-14 days after a transfusion.At any time, a patient may request a kit(tube and packaging material) from the lab, for a post-transfusion sample. It is extremely important toinform us each time that you receive a transfusion.This will help us to keep track of your post-transfusionantibody levels. Also, in order to monitor antibodyproduction aRer a transplant, the patient is asked tosubmit a quarterly blood sample up to one year post-transplant. |
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