The Guyana Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) has seen a significant milestone in building out its system with the establishment of a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) laboratory.
This is according to the HOATTA, which noted that the establishment of this lab will enhance the country’s transplant capabilities by providing essential testing locally.

The main use for HLA typing is a test that helps to determine how well a person’s immune system can recognise and accept cells from another person, essentially aiding to match organ and tissue transplant recipients with compatible donors.
To this end, the media release noted that HLA testing is a key component of a successful transplant programme. The HLA markers, it said, help match donors and recipients more effectively, reducing the risk of organ rejection and improving transplant outcomes.

The Ministry of Health has procured state-of-the-art equipment to establish the laboratory, including a Luminex machine, centrifuge and thermocycler and reagents to the tune of some USD$150,000.
“This investment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transplant services and ensuring timely and accessible care for patients,” the release said.

Meanwhile, significant strides have also been made in building the capacity of clinical staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) involved in the transplant process.
With this, it was noted that several healthcare professionals have received advanced training in Barcelona, thus equipping them with the expertise necessary to improve organ and tissue transplant services in Guyana.

Further on February 24 to 28 this year, 15 laboratory personnel were trained on HLA testing and gaining hands-on experience with the newly acquired equipment at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory. The lead trainer is Dr Karina Omari, a HLA lab expert from One Lambada, a well-known laboratory and biotechnology company based in the United States, that specialises in HLA typing and antibody detection.

During a briefing meeting with Dr. Karina Omari and team, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony emphasized the importance of this milestone for Guyana’s transplant program.

He noted that “The establishment of the HLA laboratory marks a transformative step in our efforts to enhance organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana. With local HLA testing, patients will no longer have to bear the high costs of overseas testing, and results will be available much faster—ultimately improving the efficiency and success of transplants in the country.”