Principles and Clinical Applications of Human Blood Groups and Human Leukocyte Antigen System

In this chapter, we will discuss importance of human blood groups and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). ABO is the most important antigen on red cell but is also present on platelets and tissues like endothelium, kidney, heart etc. ABO typing is usually performed by serology to provide safe red cell transfusion, and is also important for transplant especially heart, bone-marrow. HLA class I and human platelet antigen are present on platelets and HLA antigen typing is performed by serology and molecular. HLA has crucial role in platelet refractoriness along with Kidney and Bone-marrow transplant.