American Foundation for Donation & Transplantation

Tissue Typing Reference Manual

1993 Third Edition

SECTION A -
Introduction to Histocompatibility Concepts

These chapters give an overview of the principles and theory of histocompatibility genetics and immunology. In addition, this section describes the relationship of histocompatibility testing to organ transplantation, disease association, reproductive immunology and paternity testing. Two chapters, Flow Cytometry Crossmatching and DNA Typing, introduce future directions in histocompatibility testing technology.

SECTION B -
Histocompatibility Methods and Procedures

These "how to do it" chapters detail step-by-step most of the current procedures used in histocompatibility testing laboratories. Material and reference sections are included with each chapter. A separate chapter depicts the mathematics and calculations most commonly used for reagent preparations as well as a chapter on statistical analysis. New technologies using magnetic beads for class I and II typing and the use of computers and automation for the histocompatibility laboratories are also included.

SECTION C -
Policies and Standards for the Transplant Laboratory
The proliferation of new government agencies, policies and standards that affect the transplant community is growing faster than the progress in transplant biology. This section will document the evolution of transplant organizations to our current system, and outline the policies and standards histocompatibility laboratories must follow to qualify as a transplant laboratory. The impact of CLIA '88 regulations on laboratories is also addressed.

Additional chapters on proficiency testing, regional organ procurement crossmatch trays, quality assurance and OSHA guideline for the histocompatibility laboratory concludes this section.