[Comparison of HLA class I typing by serology with DNA typing].

OBJECTIVE: To compare HLA class I typing by serology with PCR-SSP method in the Chinese population. METHODS: HLA-A and -B antigens were typed by serology with microlymphocytotoxicity and DNA typing with PCR-SSP in 525 clinical samples. Reliability, reproducibility and clinical practicability of both methods were compared according to the typing results. RESULTS: Serological typing for HLA class I was rapid and simple, costing 3 hours. The discrepancy rate between serology and PCR-SSP for HLA-A antigen was 9.0%, consisting of 21 antigens being incorrectly interpreted by serology and 26 of serological "blanks" turning out to be definable alleles by DNA typing. The discrepancy rate for HLA-B antigen was 12.2%, containing 39 antigens being incorrectly interpreted and 35 of serological "blanks" turning out to be definable alleles by PCR-SSP typing. DNA typing for HLA class I by PCR-SSP proved to be an accurate, reliable and well-reproducible technique within 5 hours. While it was difficult to suit clinical assay by a large scale screening because of complicated operation and high technical condition. CONCLUSION: DNA typing for HLA class I by PCR-SSP is suitable for clinical application in the Chinese population with a higher precision than serology. Screening test by serology is recommended. Ambiguous or blank antigens by serology should be retyped by DNA typing.