What is the purpose of tissue typing in organ transplants?

The purpose of tissue typing in organ transplants is primarily to measure the compatibility of tissues based on antigens. This process is crucial because the success of an organ transplant largely depends on how well the donor’s organ matches the recipient’s immune system. Organs contain specific proteins known as antigens that are recognized by the immune system. If the antigens on the donor organ are too different from those of the recipient, the recipient's immune system may identify the organ as foreign and mount an immune response against it, leading to transplant rejection.

Tissue typing involves testing for specific human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are significant markers for compatibility. The closer the match between the donor's and recipient's HLA types, the higher the likelihood of transplant success and a lower risk of complications. This process is vital for ensuring that the recipient has the best possible chance of accepting the new organ without adverse effects.