Original articles
Luminex-based virtual crossmatching for renal transplantation in South Africa
Abstract
Methods. Sixty-four recipients were crossmatched against multiple donors during their routine work-up for transplant (111 crossmatches); 17 of these patients received transplants during the study period. Anti-HLA antibody detection was performed using Luminex technology and the results were compared with the flow cytometric crossmatch results and with short-term graft success.
Results. Compared with flow cytometric crossmatch results, the sensitivity and specificity of Luminex virtual crossmatching was 85.7% and 90.7% for the T-cell crossmatch and 100% and 87.2% for the B-cell crossmatch. Both the sensitivity and specificity of Luminex for predicting short-term graft success were 100%.
Conclusions. Strong evidence is provided that single-antigen assays provide improved sensitivity to detect clinically relevant anti-HLA antibodies and can reliably be used to predict short-term graft success. We recommend incorporation of single-antigen Luminex methodology into the routine work-up algorithm of renal transplant recipients in South Africa.
Authors' affiliations
Catherine M Worsley, National Health Laboratory Services and University of the Witwatersrand
Elizabeth S Mayne, National Health Laboratory Services and University of the Witwatersrand
Melinda S Suchard, National Health Laboratory Services and University of the Witwatersrand
Keywords
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Article History
Date published: 2011-12-14
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