Besides the ABO match, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching of six main HLA antibodies is done. Within each of these six antibodies (HLA-A, B, C, DP, DR, DQ), subgroup matching is also done because some HLA subgroups are more highly correlated with rejection than others.21,22 A more complete explanation of organ matching and allocation can be found on the “Transplant Living” Web site: www.transplantliving.org/beforethetransplant/allocation/matchingorgans.aspx.
Patients should be encouraged to access “Transplant Living” (www.transplantliving.org) and UNOS for information and links. Additional information about transplantation, eligibility, performance statistics, policies, procedures, and other questions and answers, for both clinicians and patients, can be found on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Web site (optn.transplant.hrsa.gov).
Annette Needham, MSN, ARNP, NP-C, CNN-NP, CCTC, Florida Hospital Transplant Center, Orlando
References
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