HISTOCOMPATIBILITY TESTING Meaning and
Definition
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Histocompatibility testing is a medical laboratory technique used to determine the compatibility of tissues or organs for transplantation between individuals. It primarily focuses on the study of proteins called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) present on the surface of cells in the body.
The histocompatibility testing process involves comparing the HLA profile of a prospective organ or tissue donor with that of the recipient. This ensures a successful transplantation by identifying a match with a minimal risk of rejection. Histocompatibility testing is essential to reduce the chance of graft versus host disease, a condition in which the immune system of the recipient attacks the transplanted tissue.
The testing procedure typically involves collecting blood samples from both the donor and recipient and isolating the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. These lymphocytes are then mixed together to assess their compatibility by observing how they interact. The test evaluates the level of compatibility based on factors such as the presence or absence of specific HLA antigens and compatibility in the HLA class I and II regions.
Histocompatibility testing is crucial in organ and tissue transplantation, as it greatly improves the chances of a successful transplant and ensures the long-term viability of the organ or tissue in the recipient's body. It helps to optimize the matching process to minimize the risk of rejection, improve transplant outcomes, and increase the lifespan and quality of life for transplant recipients.
Common Misspellings for HISTOCOMPATIBILITY TESTING
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- hiwtocompatibility testing
- hisrocompatibility testing
- hisfocompatibility testing
Etymology of HISTOCOMPATIBILITY TESTING
The word "histocompatibility" is derived from the Greek words "histo", meaning tissue, and "compatibility", meaning the ability to coexist harmoniously. "Histocompatibility" refers to the compatibility of tissues between individuals to minimize the risk of rejection following transplantation.
The term "histocompatibility testing" therefore refers to the process of examining the compatibility of tissues between individuals by analyzing their immune responses, particularly the compatibility of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). MHC molecules play a crucial role in recognizing self and non-self substances, allowing the immune system to distinguish between healthy and diseased cells, as well as foreign cells. The testing assesses the likelihood of tissue or organ rejection in transplantation procedures.
