The Human Leukocyte Antigen System (Online CE Course)

(based on 287 customer ratings)

Ethan Kentzel, MS, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewers: Marissa Wildung, MLS(ASCP)CM and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 190 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart

This course covers the human leukocyte antigen system. The basic functionality of the immune system with emphasis on the role of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is discussed along with the major histocompatibility complex which gives rise to HLAs. Principles and methodologies behind the various forms of HLA analysis are included. Also explored is the human leukocyte antigen's associative role in potential predisposition for disease, transplantation acceptance/rejection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and alloreactivity.

See all available courses

Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2025
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - General (Serology/Immunology): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2025

Objectives

  • Describe the basic functionality of the immune system with emphasis on the role of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system.
  • Explain the major histocompatibility complex which gives rise to HLAs.
  • Compare and contrast the molecular structures of HLA molecules and describe their interactions with cells of the immune and other bodily systems.
  • Detail the principles and methodologies behind the various forms of HLA analysis.
  • Discuss the human leukocyte antigen's associative role in potential predisposition for disease, transplantation acceptance/rejection, graft-versus-host disease, and alloreactivity.

Customer Ratings

(based on 287 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Basics of the Immune System
  • Genomic Distribution of the HLA System
    • Chromosome Location
      • MHC/HLA Location on Human Chromosomes
      • Which of the following is not a locus that is found in HLA class I?
      • True or False: There are four regions on band 21 of chromosome 6 that give rise to HLA genes.
    • Inheritance Patterns
      • Inheritance Patterns of HLA Molecules
      • HLA Linkage Disequilibrium
      • Polymorphism
      • True or False: Crossover/recombination for HLA glycoproteins is very common, occurs during mitosis, and results in a different haplotype that the offs...
      • Match the following terminology with the appropriate definition.
  • Various Molecular Structures of the HLA System
      • Lymphocytes
      • Match the lymphocyte with its cluster of differentiation (CD) marker.
    • Class I Structure and Functionality
      • HLA Class I: Structure and Location
      • HLA Class I: Functionality
    • Class II Structure and Functionality
      • HLA Class II: Structure and Location
      • HLA Class II: Functionality
      • Class I and II Structure and Function Summary
      • True or False: Class I HLAs are expressed on all nucleated cells and present endogenous antigens to lymphocytes. Class II HLAs are expressed on antige...
      • Match each of the functionalities described into the appropriate HLA class.
  • Methodologies of HLA Analysis
    • DNA Extraction and Quantitation
    • SSO
      • Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide
    • SSP
      • Sequence-Specific Primers
    • Types of HLA Crossmatches
      • CDC Crossmatching
      • Flow Cytometry Crossmatching (FXM)
    • Engraftment Monitoring
      • Engraftment Monitoring
      • Engraftment Monitoring, continued
    • Antibody Screening
    • NGS
      • Next Generation Sequencing
      • Match the testing with its methodology.
  • HLA's Role in Transplantation, Alloreaction, and Disease Associations
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Advanced
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Ethan Kentzel has earned a Master of Science in Biomedicine and Business at Drexel University.  He holds a BS degree in Medical Technology from Slippery Rock University and an ASCP MLS certification. Ethan has experience as a medical laboratory scientist working in various labs, including Blood Bank, Immunogenetics/HLA, Microbiology, and briefly as a generalist. While working as a laboratory scientist, he was also an adjunct professor for the Medical Laboratory Science program at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. He works as a Program Director for the Medical Laboratory Science and Phlebotomy programs at Reading Hospital School of Health Science. He continues to teach at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and Reading Area Community College.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.  
Reviewer Information:
Marissa Wildung, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a laboratory supervisor with nine years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist and a faculty instructor for an MLT/phlebotomy program in Central Minnesota. Marissa holds a bachelor's in medical laboratory science from the University of Cincinnati and is pursuing a master's in business administration from St. Cloud State University.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 190 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Basic HLA inheritance


Chromosomal crossover during meiosis I (6).


DNA chromosomes of a human (4).


Class II function (11).