Why is a tissue type test done?
A tissue type test is done to:
- See if the antigen pattern for donated tissue or organs (including a blood platelet transfusion or bone marrow transplant) is a match. The success of a transplant depends on how closely the antigen patterns match. The patterns are most likely to be similar when the donated organ or tissue comes from a close relative of the person.
- Find people who may have a high chance of certain autoimmune diseases.
How is a tissue type test done?
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
How do you prepare for a tissue type test?
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
If you are donating tissue or blood cells, your doctor may want to talk about your medical history—such as a history of cancer, infections, high-risk behaviors, use of drugs, exposure to toxins, and foreign travel. This may be important in understanding whether your donor tissue can be used.
What do the results of a tissue type test mean?
- For organ or tissue transplants, the results of tissue type tests show whether the donated tissue matches. The antigen pattern match is different for each type of transplant. For example, the match for a bone marrow transplant needs to be closer than the match needed for a kidney transplant.
- If an antigen related to a disease is found, that disease is likely to be present.
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