What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're preparing for an organ or bone marrow transplant and need to check tissue compatibility with a potential donor. It's also used if you're a potential donor yourself, or if you're investigating certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions that are linked to specific tissue types. Your results help determine how well your immune system markers match another person's, which is critical for transplant success.

How should I prepare for this test?

How can I naturally support my immune system before this test? While this test itself doesn't require special preparation, keeping your immune system in good shape overall can help with general health during transplant planning. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all support healthy immune function. See the pre-collection instructions on your order confirmation for any specific requirements.

What's included in this test?

This test identifies your HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C tissue types, which are markers on the surface of your cells that your immune system uses to tell 'self' from 'non-self.' Knowing these markers matters because they determine whether your body will accept or reject tissue from another person, making this information essential for transplant planning.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what each identified tissue type means. Since this is a matching test rather than a simple normal-range test, next steps usually involve comparing your results with a potential donor or recipient's profile. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account to share as needed, and you can revisit your results anytime through your account history.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. This timeframe allows the lab to carefully analyze the specific genetic markers involved in tissue typing. You'll receive a notification once your results are posted to your account, so there's no need to check repeatedly.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit if you or a family member is preparing for a transplant, whether as a potential recipient or donor. It's also useful for people investigating certain autoimmune conditions that have known links to specific HLA markers. Genetic counselors and transplant coordinators often recommend this test as part of a broader compatibility workup.

What is HLA typing and why does it matter?

HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen, and these are proteins on the surface of almost all your cells that act like an identification tag for your immune system. Matching HLA types between a donor and recipient lowers the chance that the immune system will attack transplanted tissue as a foreign invader. This is why HLA typing is a standard step before organ, bone marrow, or stem cell transplants.

How often should I retest?

HLA typing generally doesn't change over your lifetime since it's based on your genetics, so you typically only need this test once. You might retest if a previous sample was inconclusive or if a lab specifically requests a repeat for confirmation purposes. Check with your transplant center or testing coordinator about whether a repeat test is needed for your specific situation.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

There's no 'normal' or 'abnormal' result with HLA typing in the traditional sense — instead, your results are compared against a potential donor or recipient to look for a match. If your markers don't align well with a specific donor, the next step is usually to look for other potential donor options. If you're unsure what your results mean for your specific situation, the detailed report explains each identified marker in plain language.

What causes differences in HLA type between people?

Your HLA type is inherited from your parents, similar to other genetic traits like eye color, so it's completely determined by your genetics rather than by lifestyle or environment. This is why close relatives, especially siblings, are more likely to be good tissue matches than unrelated people. Because of the huge number of possible HLA combinations, finding a full match outside your family can sometimes take time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HLA Tissue Typing Test - Transplant Compatibility Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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