Specialist Histocompatibility Course

Purpose

The curriculum is designed forsenior technologists and new laboratory directors to raise the standards of practice in clinical histocompatibility testing by promoting excellence in clinical laboratory medicine and providing a fundamental educational program to prepare for the ACHI CHS or Diplomate certification.

 

Objective

By the end of the course, the successful student will:

  • Recall important topics in histocompatibility science
  • Analyze disparate sets of data to arrive at a decision about a clinical test result
  • Relate covered topics to clinical histocompatibility testing

 

Syllabus

Each student is encouraged to print out as needed the lecture outlines and presentations from the platform. The following items will be housed there:

  • Lecture videos & outlines
  • Procedures with applications
  • References and bibliography

 

Curriculum

The curriculum focus is on histocompatibility testing: theory and principle, procedure, application and management. Course presentations will be pre-recorded and available for six months (until December 31, 2024) with Q&A sessions on Friday, June 14, 21 and 28. To accommodate all schedules, both AM and PM live Q&A sessions will be held and recorded for future reference. Powerpoint presentations and resources will be available for at least 6 months.

 

Application Requirements

Technologists in Histocompatibility Testing, with a minimum (3) years working experience and/or a formal course in immunology or genetics; or a new laboratory director; and active ASHI membership (recommended).

 

Core Curriculum

  • Introduction to Transplant Immunology
  • Innate Immunity
  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Genetic Concepts Applicable to Immunogenetics - Basic Genetics, Population Genetics, and Statistics
  • MHC Genetics
  • Molecular Basis of Allorecognition
  • Immunoregulation and Tolerance

Lab Science Lectures:

  • Molecular Biology
  • DNA Based HLA Typing Methods
  • Next Generation Sequencing
  • HLA Informatics
  • ABO Basics and Blood Bank Issues for the HLA Lab
  • Chimerism
  • Solid Phase Assay Basics
  • Optimizing Solid Phase Assays
  • Antibodies: Mechanism of Action & New Tools
  • Basic Principles of Flow Cytometry
  • Advanced Flow Cytometry
  • Epitope Analysis for Interpreting HLA Antibody Results
  • Antibody Issues

Clinical Science & Other Lectures

  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  • HLA Disease Associations and Drug Hypersensitivities
  • Transplanting the Sensitized Patient
  • Abdominal Organ Transplant Immunology
  • Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA Applications in Transplantation
  • Thoracic Organ Transplant Immunology
  • Lab Management
  • Cost Report
  • Lab Accreditation
  • Implementing an Effective QA Program
  • Principles of HLA Matching at the Molecular Level

 

General Information

Anticipated in-person for 2025 and 2027.

When the course is held in-person, the registration fee includes continental breakfast, breaks and lunch daily as well as a welcome reception. Hotel, transportation, and other arrangements/costs are the student's responsibility.

Anticipated virtually in 2024 and 2026.

When the course is held virtually, registration fee includes On-Demand access to lecture videos for 6 months and three live virtual office hours with faculty.

The official language for the course is English.

The course is ABHI certified.

Please contact Arlene Skinner for additional information.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 804-323-9890