HLA-DRB AND HLA-DBQ TYPING BY PCR AMPLIFICATION USING SEQUENCE-SPECIFIC PRIMERS (PCR-SSP) - ASSESSMENT AFTER 1 YEAR OF ROUTINE USE BY 3 LABORATORIES

Using sequence-specific amplifications, a practical and fast technique for DRB and DQB typing has been developed. The primers are chosen in order to amplify groups of alleles corresponding to the same serologic al specificity. In a second step, precise allelic determination is obt ained by studying the restriction fragment length polymorphism of the PCR products. The experience of three laboratories using this techniqu e in the context of organ or bone marrow transplantation is reported.