Tissue typing is a euphemism to describe the work performed by scientists and technologists in support of histocompatibility testing (tissue-matching) for organ transplantation. We carry out and develop a wide repertoire of highly complex tests to ensure that the risks of rejection are minimised and that transplanted organs are optimally matched to the recipient in order to ensure maximum longevity of the graft. Our services cover all aspects of solid organ transplantation including, kidneys, pancreata, small bowel and thoracic organs.
We are involved at all stages of a patient’s care once they have become candidates for transplantation. This includes pre-transplant assessments, testing at the time of transplant (cross-matching to make sure the transplant can proceed safely) and post-transplant evaluation in order to monitor the recipient’s immune response to the organ. We provide a 24/7 service and are ready to respond to the needs of our patients very rapidly should a donor become available.
Clinical Transplantation Laboratories providing these services are usually co-located near transplant units and are directed by Consultant Clinical Scientists, and staffed with highly trained practitioners who are part of the extended transplant family. This interaction involves having regular, close communication with other healthcare professionals including nephrologists, surgeons, coordinators and the transplant nursing team. We advise on matching between donors and recipients and discuss the on-going status of patients on the waiting list and those who are post-transplant.
Through the development of national and international standards we aim to provide a timely, highly accurate and responsive service. We are probably perceived as being part of the ‘backroom support’ with only occasional direct interaction with patients but we would encourage all patient users of our service to contact us if they have any queries.
Consistent with the other members of our multidisciplinary team, it is a privilege to be part of a group that is committed to working with patients and their families so that they can make the best decisions for them about their treatment.
