Understanding Lab Tests for Transplant Rejection
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Transplant rejection occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes the transplanted organ or tissue as foreign and attacks it. While the diagnosis of rejection often involves biopsies and clinical assessment, blood tests play a fundamental role in monitoring transplant success, assessing compatibility, and detecting early signs of rejection.
Top Recommended Test
HLA A,B,C Low Resolution
This test analyzes human leukocyte antigens (HLA), which are proteins that help the immune system distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign substances. Mismatched HLA antigens between donor and recipient significantly increase the risk of organ transplant rejection, making this test crucial for assessing transplant compatibility.
2907 reviews
The Role of Blood Testing in Transplant Monitoring
Blood tests are essential tools in transplant medicine, used both before and after transplantation. Pre-transplant testing helps ensure compatibility between donor and recipient, while post-transplant monitoring can detect changes that may indicate rejection or other complications. These tests provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions and helps preserve transplant function.
Other Relevant Tests
FISH, X/Y, Post Opposite Sex Bone Marrow Transplant
This specialized test monitors bone marrow transplant success by analyzing the ratio of donor to recipient cells using chromosome markers. When the test shows a higher percentage of recipient cells than donor cells, it may indicate transplant rejection, where the recipient's immune system is attacking the transplanted bone marrow cells.
2907 reviews
Understanding Your Results
Transplant monitoring requires specialized interpretation by healthcare providers experienced in transplant medicine. These tests provide valuable data about transplant function and immune compatibility, but results must be evaluated alongside clinical symptoms, other laboratory findings, and imaging studies to make accurate treatment decisions.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Transplant rejection is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention from qualified healthcare providers. Always consult with your transplant team for proper diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
