MAHAK HLA Typing Bank

HLA typing, or human leukocyte antigen typing, is essential for identifying compatible donors, particularly for families with a single child who may have a lower chance of finding a matched stem cell donor within their own family.

Accordingly, MAHAK HLA Typing Bank is one of the remarkable initiatives of MAHAK, which started to work in 2017, and ever since has successfully registered approximately 12,000 potential donors.

MAHAK HLA Typing Bank is well equipped with the latest laboratory test kits and highly advanced facilities. It gathers and stores genetic materials, particularly blood samples from volunteer donors, who may serve as potential stem cell donors.

Notably, at MAHAK, the registration of stem cell donors is completely free of charge and leads to minimal discomfort, with side effects compared with those of the flu for the actual donation procedure.

The donor recruitment process contains thorough screening to confirm eligibility. Once accepted, donors submit blood samples, which are analyzed in laboratory to determine HLA profiles. This imperative genetic data is recorded and added to the MAHAK HLA Typing Bank for future matching.

The Iranian National Stem Cell Donor Network monitors MAHAK and other related institutes to ensure that all data is regularly updated among centers equipped with HLA typing facilities. This interconnected network allows for efficient matching and referral processes among healthcare providers.

MAHAK HLA Typing Bank since its establishment in 2017, has successfully registered approximately 12,000 potential donors, resulting in around 926 genetic matches with patients at this interconnected national stem cell network. Impressively, 11 patients referred by this network, have proceeded to transplantation, receiving meticulous follow-up care for a year post-procedure.

With ongoing comprehensive testing procedures for all potential matches, MAHAK HLA Typing Bank is playing an indispensable role towards enhancing treatment outcomes for childhood cancer. This in turn, brings hope and life-saving possibility to many families in need.