Division Head: Dr. Medhat Askar (off site), Dr. Feryal A Ibrahim Hilmi (Acting)
Section Head- Immunology: Dr. Aziz Alami Chentoufi (Acting)
Section Head- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics: Dr. Medhat Askar
The Immunology Division is a high-complexity laboratory that specializes in two key laboratory sections: the Immunology Laboratory and the Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Laboratory. By utilizing state-of-the-art testing techniques, the division provides advanced diagnostic testing for immunology-related conditions as well as transplantation services.
The Immunology Laboratory is dedicated to primary immunological testing, with a focus on detecting Autoimmune, Allergy, and Immunodeficiency Diseases. It offers specialized and comprehensive diagnostic testing that includes:
- A variety of allergy tests that encompasses grass pollen, weed pollen, tree pollen, mold, epidermal and animal protein, dust and insect, nut mix, seafood mix, cereal mix, and various single allergen testing.
- Autoimmune tests that cover a range of conditions, such as connective tissue disease, anticardiolipin syndrome, liver disease, celiac disease, kidney disease, endocrine disease, and skin disease.
- Immunodeficiency testing to evaluate immunization status, screen for latent TB using QuantiFERON, and employ flow cytometry testing to diagnose and define immunodeficiency diseases.
- The Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Laboratory provides a comprehensive range of testing services to support solid organ and bone marrow transplantation, as well as HLA-related disease association and drug sensitivity testing.
It offers comprehensive pre-transplant and post-transplant tests including:
- HLA Compatibility testing: High-resolution HLA typing using Next Generation Sequencing technology for donor and recipient, and HLA intermediate typing available for urgent cases.
- HLA typing for disease association to identify possible links between a person's HLA type and certain diseases.
- HLA-related drug sensitivity testing: to identify the risk of adverse reactions to medication based on a patient's HLA type.
- Screening for HLA-specific antibodies: detecting the presence and specificity of antibodies that could attack a transplanted organ and guide donor selection and rejection management.
- Donor-specific antibody testing: identifying the risk of rejection and guiding treatment plans.
- Virtual crossmatch and flow crossmatch: used to assess the compatibility between the donor and recipient in a solid organ or bone marrow transplant
- Chimerism testing based on next-generation sequencing- used to monitor post-bone marrow transplant status.
cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing: a non-invasive biomarker test used for early diagnosis of allograft rejection in all types of solid organ transplants. The test is based on next-generation sequencing technology and it is a helpful tool for monitoring transplant patients and improving their outcomes.
The Division also provides a comprehensive training and professional development program for its staff. Additionally, we conduct innovative scientific research to advance immunology, Histocompatibility, Transplantation Immunology, and Genomics.
