Transplant evaluation @ Mayo and the PRA results

[MakeMyDay]

Last week I underwent transplant evaluations at Mayo Phoenix. It took about 3 days and the process was very smooth. The doctors were amazing; they explain you everything in detail so you can make informed decisions.

So a week later the coordinator called me and said I'm on the list. 

After reading about PRA on this site, I asked her what's my PRA?

She said PRA class one is 0% and PRA class two is 21%. I didn't know there is class I and class II in PRA. Have anyone heard about two kinds of PRA?

[cariad]

Yes, there are two classes of antigens - it is just a way to divide them up. Apparently, it is better to match someone on their DR antigens, which is in Class II, (along with the other 'D' antigens) while the ABC antigens are in class I. It is somewhat worse to be sensitized (have a PRA above zero) for Class II, but 21% is not considered high. Pre-transplant, I had around a 15% PRA for Class I and a zero for Class II. My donor and I had a negative crossmatch, and that is really all that matters for now.

Where does your PRA come from? Have you had blood transfusions? Your PRA report should tell you exactly which antigens you have developed antibodies to, and whether this is a low, moderate, or high concern antibody. The more common the antigen, the higher concern it is if you have developed an antibody to it. I had two low concern and one moderate concern antibody. Ask for a copy of your report if you want to see exactly which antibodies you have. It won't really help you know if you will be sensitized to any particular donor, but I found it interesting.

I think your PRA values are great, and if you can avoid future blood transfusions, you should not have any trouble with positive crossmatches down the track.

Hope this answers your question!

[Riki]

what kind of tests are done to say what class of antibodies you have?  I was never told the numbers or class or anything like that, I was just told they were high

[MakeMyDay]

I have never had any blood transfusions and no prior transplants either. I did not ask the blood report; I just spoke to the coordinator over the phone. She said that Class II 21% is nothing to worry about.

@Rikki: I just had my usual transplant evaluation blood tests. You can always call them and ask about Class I and II.