Description

HLA can be a difficult and cumbersome topic to understand, yet it is important for the transfusion/apheresis practitioner to be able to interpret the significance of HLA testing results and apply it to clinical decision making. To address this, last year we began with the “Basics of HLA for Apheresis Practitioners”, which reviewed the fundamentals of HLA nomenclature, testing methodologies, reporting, and common areas of confusion (“Level 1.0”). This year’s session will pick up from where last year’s session left off and progress the audience to higher level scenarios (“Level 2.0”). Don’t worry if you did not attend last year’s session – this is meant to be friendly to all audience members and key concepts will be (briefly!) recapped where appropriate. This session will use case-based learning to highlight essential take-home points as well as delving into some of the more nuanced scenarios. We will demonstrate how to access and use some of the online tools, databases, and resources commonly used by HLA experts. The goal is to empower the audience in their understanding of HLA, build their confidence in communicating with other teams on HLA-relevant topics (e.g. transplant service, HLA lab, donor center), and improve their independence in interpreting HLA testing reports and applying that understanding to clinical decision making in transfusion, transplantation, and apheresis.

Learning Objectives:

• Interpret and differentiate between the various components of an HLA testing report.
• Explain various factors that can negatively or positively interfere with test results.
• Utilize online tools, databases, websites, and other online resources commonly utilized by HLA experts.
• Recommend follow-up actions (e.g. additional testing, performing an apheresis procedure) and/or question their clinical usefulness as appropriate to the circumstance.

Speaker(s):

• Dr. Deanna C. Fang, M.D., David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
• Dr. Patricia Kopko, MD, Professor of Pathology, Director of Transfusion Medicine, Associate Director, Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Associate Director, Pathology Residency Training Program, University of California San Diego
• Harold Sullivan, Emory University School of Medicine