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More about Human Leukocyte Antigen Test:
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Incompatible groups between organ donors and recipients may cause unsuccessful tissue transplantation.
Certain diseases have a strong association with certain types of HLAs, which may aid in genetic counseling. For example, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder involving underproduction by the thyroid gland) is associated with HLA-DR5, while B8 and Dw3 are allied with Graves' disease (another autoimmune disorder, but with overproduction by the thyroid gland). Hereditary hemochromatosis (too much iron in the blood) is associated with HLA-A3, B7, and B14. HLAA3 is found in approximately 70% of patients with hemochromatosis, but as is the case with other HLA-associated disorders, the expense of HLA typing favors use of other tests. In cases of suspected hemochromatosis, for example, diagnosis is better aided by two tests called transferrin saturation and serum ferritin.
— Janis O. Flores
