Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) play a crucial role in the immune response and are vital in assessing transplant compatibility. They are proteins found on the surface of cells that are responsible for the regulation of the immune system in humans. When it comes to organ transplantation, identifying matching HLA between donors and recipients is essential for reducing the risk of rejection.

The matching of HLA types improves the likelihood that the recipient’s immune system will accept the transplanted organ, leading to better transplant outcomes and organ function post-transplant. Transplants from closely matched donors are more likely to be successful, meaning that both the risk of acute and chronic rejection issues are minimized.

While factors such as blood type and other medical considerations are important in transplantation, the primary role of HLA is to ensure that donor and recipient immune systems are compatible, which is why identifying matching pairs is critical in transplant practices.