Lab Med Qual Assur.  2024 Mar;46(1):1-37. 10.15263/jlmqa.2024.46.1.1.

Report of Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service on Histocompatibility Testing (2019–2022)

• Kang ES
• Lee JK

• KMID: 2554460
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15263/jlmqa.2024.46.1.1

Abstract

Here, we report the results of the histocompatibility proficiency testing performed by the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service from 2019 to 2022. The HLA-B51 and HLA-DPB1 typing programs were adopted in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The HLA-B*58:01 typing program was commenced from the second trial in 2022 as a demonstration program. The directly prepared proficiency testing specimens of whole blood, sera, and mononuclear cell suspensions were distributed to participants biannually. The enrollment of participants was expanded for high-resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, B cell flow cytometry crossmatching (B-FCMXM), and single antigen bead antibody identification (SABID) tests. The phase and method combination for HLA crossmatching demonstrated variability in terms of laboratory results, and the grading criteria were revised in 2020. The response rate was 100% except that for B-FCMXM. The accuracy rates were generally very high; however, frequent input or nomenclature errors for HLA typing results and frequent non-consensus (code 505) and wide distribution of semiquantitative Center for Disease Control and Prevention results between laboratories were noted. The statistical analysis of reported HLA antibodies rendered the determination of unacceptable responses easier than earlier methods; however, the absence of consensus criteria meant that the responses were not graded yet. Continuous efforts to improve the proficiency programs and the education for standardization between laboratories are mandatory.

Keyword

Histocompatibility; Laboratory proficiency testing; Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service