A patient undergoes deceased donor renal transplantation. Which of the following BEST describes the 'six-antigen match' in HLA compatibility testing?
- A Matching at HLA-A, B (class I) and DR (class II) — 2 antigens each, total 6 alleles ✓
- B Matching of 6 HLA class I antigens (A, B, C — 2 each)
- C Matching of blood group (ABO) plus 5 HLA antigens
- D Matching of all 10 HLA antigens — considered mandatory before transplant
Correct answer: A. Matching at HLA-A, B (class I) and DR (class II) — 2 antigens each, total 6 alleles
Explanation
In deceased donor renal transplantation, HLA matching is assessed at HLA-A, HLA-B (both Class I), and HLA-DR (Class II) — two alleles at each locus — giving a maximum of 6 antigens (the '6-antigen match' or 000 mismatch). A 000 mismatch (fully matched) predicts the best graft survival. UK Transplant allocates mandatory sharing of kidneys with 000 mismatch across the country. HLA-C, DQ and DP are increasingly recognised but are not part of the standard 6-antigen match.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.