[Automated measurement of cell destruction with the Patimed System in comparison with conventional HLA typing]

HLA molecules serve as identity markers for immunocompetent cells which respond to pathogens and transplant tissue antigens to distinguish self from non-self. The continuous discovery of new HLA polymorphisms which are associated with various diseases or are involved in graft rejection continuously increases the number of HLA antigens which need to be identified for each individual. We defined the HLA class I and HLA class II antigens with the NIH standard microcytotoxicity system and compared the results with those obtained using the commercially available automated Patimed system. Our results show that serological identification of HLA antigens with the Patimed system is reliable. It can be recommended for routine as well as for research purposes.