Question 1

What is Transplant Rejection?

Accepted Answer

Transplant rejection occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes the transplanted organ or tissue as foreign and attacks it. It is caused by mismatched human leukocyte antigens (HLA) between the donor and recipient, triggering an immune response against the transplanted cells. The HLA A,B,C Low Resolution test is the most important test for assessing transplant compatibility and rejection risk.

Question 2

What causes transplant rejection?

Accepted Answer

Transplant rejection is caused by mismatched human leukocyte antigens (HLA) between the donor and recipient, which triggers the immune system to recognize the transplanted organ or tissue as foreign. Your immune system uses HLA proteins as markers to identify which cells belong to your body and which do not. When HLA antigens from the donor differ significantly from yours, your immune cells attack the transplanted tissue as if it were a dangerous invader, leading to acute or chronic rejection that can damage or destroy the transplant.

Question 3

What is the best test for transplant rejection?

Accepted Answer

The HLA A,B,C Low Resolution test is the most important test for transplant rejection because it analyzes the human leukocyte antigens that determine compatibility between donor and recipient. This test identifies specific HLA proteins on cell surfaces that, when mismatched, significantly increase rejection risk. Before transplantation, this test helps match donors and recipients to minimize rejection chances. For bone marrow transplant recipients, the FISH, X/Y, Post Opposite Sex Bone Marrow Transplant test is essential for monitoring transplant success by measuring the ratio of donor cells to recipient cells, with higher recipient cell percentages indicating possible rejection.

Question 4

When should I get tested for transplant rejection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are being evaluated as a transplant candidate or potential organ donor to assess compatibility. HLA typing is performed before any organ or tissue transplant to match donors and recipients. After receiving a bone marrow transplant from an opposite-sex donor, you should get periodic FISH testing to monitor transplant engraftment and detect early signs of rejection. Additionally, your transplant team may order testing if you experience symptoms like fever, pain at the transplant site, decreased organ function, or other signs that might indicate rejection.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of transplant rejection?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of transplant rejection vary depending on which organ was transplanted but often include fever, flu-like symptoms, and pain or tenderness over the transplanted organ. Kidney transplant rejection may cause decreased urine output, swelling, weight gain, and elevated blood pressure. Liver transplant rejection can present with jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Heart transplant rejection may cause shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, weakness, and fluid retention. Many rejection episodes occur without obvious symptoms, which is why regular blood tests and monitoring by your transplant team are essential.

Question 6

Who is at risk for transplant rejection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who receives an organ or tissue transplant is at risk for rejection, but the risk is higher when there are significant HLA mismatches between donor and recipient. People who do not take their anti-rejection medications consistently face substantially increased rejection risk. Those with previous transplant rejection episodes, people who develop antibodies against donor tissue, and individuals with certain infections are also at higher risk. Younger recipients sometimes have more active immune systems that increase rejection likelihood, while closely related donors like siblings typically provide better HLA matches and lower rejection rates.

Question 7

What happens if transplant rejection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated transplant rejection leads to progressive damage and eventual failure of the transplanted organ, which can be life-threatening depending on which organ is affected. Acute rejection that is not promptly treated can quickly destroy the transplant, requiring you to return to dialysis for kidney transplants or face severe complications for heart, liver, or lung transplants. Chronic rejection develops more slowly but causes irreversible scarring and loss of organ function over time. Without a functioning transplant, you may need another transplant or face serious health consequences, including death if the failed organ cannot be replaced or its function substituted.

Question 8

Can transplant rejection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests play a crucial role in assessing transplant rejection risk and monitoring transplant function, though biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing active rejection. The HLA A,B,C Low Resolution test identifies compatibility issues before transplantation that predict rejection risk. The FISH, X/Y test monitors bone marrow transplant success by tracking donor versus recipient cells. Blood tests measuring organ function, such as creatinine for kidney transplants or liver enzymes for liver transplants, detect changes that may indicate rejection. Some newer blood tests can detect donor-specific antibodies or measure gene expression patterns associated with rejection.

Question 9

How is transplant rejection treated?

Accepted Answer

Transplant rejection is treated primarily with immunosuppressive medications that suppress the immune system's attack on the transplanted organ. For acute rejection episodes, high-dose corticosteroids like methylprednisolone are typically given intravenously to quickly control the immune response. More severe rejection may require stronger immunosuppressive drugs such as antithymocyte globulin or monoclonal antibodies like rituximab. Long-term management involves daily maintenance immunosuppressive medications including tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, or sirolimus to prevent future rejection. Your transplant team adjusts medication doses based on blood tests, organ function, and side effects to balance rejection prevention with infection risk.

Question 10

How can I prevent transplant rejection?

Accepted Answer

Preventing transplant rejection requires strict adherence to your immunosuppressive medication regimen, taking all prescribed drugs exactly as directed without missing doses. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your transplant team for regular monitoring through blood tests and organ function assessments. Avoid infections by practicing good hygiene, staying up to date on vaccinations approved by your transplant team, and avoiding sick contacts. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise as approved by your doctor, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Report any new symptoms immediately to your transplant team, as early detection and treatment of rejection significantly improves outcomes.

Question 11

What can I do at home for transplant rejection prevention?

Accepted Answer

At home, create a medication management system using pill organizers, phone alarms, or apps to ensure you never miss immunosuppressive doses. Keep a health journal tracking your weight, blood pressure, temperature, and any symptoms to share with your transplant team. Maintain excellent hygiene by washing hands frequently, avoiding raw or undercooked foods that carry infection risk, and keeping your living space clean. Stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables while following any dietary restrictions from your transplant team, and get adequate sleep to support overall health. Build a support network of family and friends who understand the importance of your medication schedule and can help you stay on track.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Transplant Rejection Blood Test

What is Transplant Rejection?

What causes transplant rejection?

What is the best test for transplant rejection?

When should I get tested for transplant rejection?

References

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