We up in HUSM has began HLA tissue typing services. This revelation is in no way indicative of request for samples. Due to budget constrain we have limited ourselves for the beginning to doing 6/6 low resolution screening. On top of that we are no longer allowed to send samples to IMR for tissue typing as it will doubled our cost. We are charged RM450 per samples by IMR.
Since we are mainly screening for matched related allo-transplant, we have confined ourselves to A, B and DR antigen sibling and parents screenings provided the parents do not show antigen homozygocyties. Based on the experienced in the 11th BMT course at Spain this year and the EBMT handbook; for a sibling related allo-transplant no further HLA workup is required if we are able to identify 6/6 antigen match. Obviously a higher resolution match is indicated if the parents show homozygocity and in unrelated circumstances.
As we are not doing allogeneic stem cell transplantation, all 6/6 matched siblings will be handed over to other centers who are doing the procedure. In order not to delay and repeat the HLA study, I will like to know your feedback, whether this concept is acceptable in your practice. Your feedback is important as we may have to modify our practice based on your perception.
Thanks.
Abu Dzarr