human leukocyte antigen matching

A process in which blood or tissue samples are tested for human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). HLAs are molecules found on the surface of most cells in the body. They make up a person’s tissue type, which varies from person to person. They play an important part in the body’s immune response to foreign substances. Human leukocyte antigen matching is done before a donor stem cell or organ transplant to find out if tissues match between the donor and the person receiving the transplant. Also called HLA matching.