Hla, Platelet Immunology Laboratory

Laboratory Services

HLA, Platelet Immunology Laboratory

Many services needed by patients in our community hospitals are performed in our Platelet Reference Laboratory. Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are proteins found on the surface of white cells and most other tissues in the body They are similar in nature to the antigens on the red blood cells in that they define various tissue types. When a tissue is transplanted, whether it is in the form of a kidney, bone marrow, stem cells or platelets, the recipient’s immune system may recognize the HLA proteins as being from a foreign source and respond by rejecting the transplanted tissue. To avoid rejection, tissues must be matched for the HLA antigens between the donor and recipient.

Multiple platelet transfusions are often required for patients with cancer or other hematological disorders. Due to their transfusion frequency these patients can develop antibodies against human leukocyte or platelet antigens causing destruction of transfused platelets. Performing platelet crossmatch and/or providing HLA-matched platelets can provide adequate platelet support to their transfusion needs.

The Platelet Immunology Reference Laboratory performs platelet crossmatches and provides HLA-matched and/or crossmatched platelets for patients found to be refractory to platelet transfusion. The CBS Medical Director provides consultation and facilities procurement of IgA deficient blood products for patients needing these highly specialized products, as well as, in the investigation of suspected cases of Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI).

Our laboratory is accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act ’88 (CLIA), the AABB (formerly the Association of American Blood Banks), the state of New York and the state of New Jersey.

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