The Histocompatibility/Molecular Genetics Department of the Penn-Jersey Region of American Red Cross Blood Services provides clinical laboratory support to physicians and their patients. The Histocompatibility/Molecular Genetics laboratories are ASHI and New York Department of Health accredited facilities.  The laboratories provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art HLA services supporting Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT), Organ Transplantation and HLA-matched platelet transfusions.  We also provide DNA-based typing for Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytokine Genes, Minor Histocompatibility Antigen System and Natural Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) Genes and for Genetic Monitoring of Engraftment Post HSCT Transplantations using STR Markers.

This facility is one of the National Marrow Donor Program’s (NMDP) contracted DNA typing laboratories that perform DNA-based typing for HLA Class I and Class II alleles of unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cell donors, for Confirmatory Typing of Cord Blood Units and for Cord Blood Unit Recipients and is also the NMDP contracted centralized laboratory for the Analysis of Circulating Cytokine levels in serum and/or plasma.

DNA Laboratory

• The DNA laboratory offers both allelic level and the intermediate resolution level Class I (HLA-A,B,C) and Class II (HLA-DRB1, 3,4, 5; DQα, DQβ and DPα and β) typings.
• The methods employed are sequence-based typing (SBT), PCR/SSP, and PCR/SSOP.
• Samples sources can be whole blood, whole cord blood, buffy coat, red cell reduction fractions, blood bag tubing segment containing cord blood unit and blood spotted on filter papers buccal swabs or single hair follicle.  Our DNA lab is specialized in extracting high molecular weight DNA from difficult and small sample sources.
• The turnaround time (TAT) varies between twenty-four hours and ten business days depending on customer requests.
• Sequencing-based typing for short tandem (STR) markers are provided for genetic monitoring of Engraftment Post HSCT with TAT between 2-5 business days.
• Microarray-based technology is used for Customized Quantification of circulating levels of various cytokine levels of various Cytokines, Chemokines, Growth/Differentiation Factors, Cell Signal Transduction, and Apoptosis Proteins with TAT between 2-5 business days.

Serology Laboratory

• The Serology laboratory offers HLA antibody screening and specificities identification using AHG-CDC, ELISA or the Flow Methods.
• We specialize in screening sera from highly sensitized patients by using single antigen (high definition) panels.  Various approaches are used to identify unacceptable antigens for highly sensitized patients receiving organ transplantations or to identify acceptable antigens for highly immunized patients receiving platelet transfusions.  The turnaround time for antibody screening or for the identification of antibody specificities varies between twenty-four and seventy-two hours according to customer requests.

Free expert consultation for donor selection, transplantation related issues and questions concerning other tests provided are available between 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M

Volume discounts for either DNA or serological testing are available for transplantation centers or hospitals.

To order HLA/Molecular Genetics testing, call (215) 451-4131 to schedule testing and discuss sample requirements. All samples must be shipped at room temperature (in an insulated container to protect from outdoor temperature extremes) and arrive for testing within 24-72 hours of collection.  International specimens up to 5 days from drawn date are acceptable.  Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Hours of Operation:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Contact Information:  Telephone:  (215) 451-4131