At Cellaviva, you can combine stem cell banking and genetic health testing based on your individual needs. Choose between multiple stem cell sources, flexible storage options, and tests designed to provide deeper insight into fertility, transplantation compatibility, genetic risk factors, and future health.
Preserve stem cells at birth
Store stem cells from cord blood, cord tissue, and placenta, unique biological resources that can only be collected at birth..
Genetic & health testing
Explore tests related to transplant matching, fertility, pregnancy, and genetic risk factors, designed to provide clearer insight before important decisions are made.
When a family member needs a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, finding a compatible donor can be urgent. This test identifies your HLA type and helps determine whether you may be a match, so you can act with clarity when timing matters.
Suitable for both children and adults, using a simple cheek swab
Simple cheek swab
Results in ~4 weeks
Suitable for all ages
No hospital visit required
When this test becomes urgent
For many people, this test is not about future planning, but about a situation that is already happening.
A relative may be in need of a stem cell transplant, sometimes in another country where access to matching donors can be limited. In these situations, families often turn to close relatives first.
Traveling abroad to donate is a significant decision. Knowing your HLA type in advance can provide clarity on whether you are a potential match, helping you decide your next step based on real information.
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) is a group of proteins found on the surface of most cells in the body. These proteins play a central role in how the immune system distinguishes between the body’s own cells and foreign substances1, 2.
HLA can be compared to a biological ID card. They function as a biological identification system. HLA proteins present small fragments from inside the cell, allowing the immune system to recognize what belongs to the body and what does not. If cells are recognized as “self”, they are left untouched. If they are recognized as foreign, such as viruses, bacteria, or altered cells, the immune system responds 3.
This is why HLA matching is critical in transplantation.
In some situations, everything comes down to one question:
“Am I a match?”
Can you find the mismatch?
Before
After
How your immune system recognizes a match
Your HLA type is inherited from your parents. You inherit half of your HLA markers from your mother and half from your father, creating a unique combination for every individual 4. The extensive genetic variation within the HLA system is relevant across several medical contexts 2.
In treatments such as transplantation, a high degree of tissue-type compatibility between donor and recipient is required to reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ or stem cells 5.
Why matching matters
In transplantation, compatibility between donor and recipient is critical. Even small differences in HLA type can determine whether a transplant is possible, how quickly it can happen, and how successful the outcome may be.
Critical for transplant success
A close HLA match significantly reduces the risk of rejection and complications after transplantation
Determines if a transplant is possible
HLA matching is used to identify which individuals can safely donate stem cells, organs, or bone marrow to a person in need of transplantation. If two individuals share a high degree of compatibility, they are considered a match. Different diagnoses, treatments, and stem cell types require different levels of matching 6, 7.
More complex than blood type
Matching is based on detailed genetic compatibility, not just simple blood grouping
Inherited within families
Close relatives are more likely to share similar HLA types, but compatibility is never guaranteed
Impacts waiting time
Finding a match outside the family can take time, and in some cases, a suitable donor may not be available
Affects treatment outcomes
Better matching is associated with improved recovery and long-term results
Insight into vulnerability and protection
Certain genetic variants within the HLA system may increase or decrease the risk of developing specific diseases or conditions. Understanding these risks may provide valuable medical insight for both you and your doctor and contribute to improved medical follow-up and understanding 8, 9.
HLA typing is a genetic test that identifies your specific HLA pattern. It is used to determine who can safely donate stem cells, bone marrow, or organs to a patient.
Different diagnoses and treatments require different levels of matching. Some treatments can be performed with a partial match, while others require a very close match.
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) are proteins found on most cells in the body. They help the immune system distinguish between the body’s own cells and foreign cells.
Because HLA markers are inherited, close family members often share similar patterns. When two individuals share the same HLA type, they are considered a match.
The closer the match, the better the conditions for many transplants and cell-based treatments.
High-resolution HLA analysis with clinically validated methods
We perform HLA typing using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), an advanced and validated molecular method that enables high-resolution and highly accurate HLA genotyping. The test is primarily designed for transplantation purposes and analyses HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DPB1.
Results are reported as high-resolution HLA types with six-digit resolution, for example HLA-A*01:01:01, representing the level of detail commonly used in transplantation-related HLA matching.
All analyses are performed by a laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189, accredited by the European Federation for Immunogenetics (EFI), and operating in accordance with GMP guidelines. The testing process meets established quality and regulatory standards for laboratory diagnostics.
Following the analysis, you will receive a detailed report based on high-resolution HLA typing performed using NGS technology and quality assured according to international standards. The report is intended to support medical evaluations, including transplantation assessments, HLA matching, and the investigation of certain diseases and conditions. Thanks to the laboratory’s international accreditations, the results can be used and recognised by healthcare providers and transplantation centres throughout Europe.
Why your HLA type matters beyond transplantation
Certain HLA types are associated with specific diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases 10.
One example is celiac disease, where almost all affected individuals carry the HLA variants HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8. HLA-DQ2 is also associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. These variants are relatively common in the population, meaning many individuals carry them without ever developing disease. They increase risk, but are not independently decisive 11, 12, 13, 14.
Similarly, other HLA variants may increase or decrease the risk of different diseases. In many cases, it is the combination of genetic and environmental factors that determines whether disease develops.
We analyse HLA types related to the following diseases and conditions:
We also offer HLA typing for additional medical questions upon request, including analyses related to conditions such as type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
For these conditions, however, the associations are more complex and the clinical utility may be more limited compared to HLA typing for celiac disease.
By analysing your HLA type, valuable medical insight can be obtained that may remain relevant throughout life and support well-informed medical decisions.
Priority in-clinic sample collection: 1,495 SEK
Flexible sample collection, wherever you are
The Transplant Match HLA test is designed to be simple and accessible, regardless of where you are located. Most individuals choose to complete the test from home using the included saliva collection kit, which can be performed quickly without the need for a clinic visit.
The test can be used by adults and children, and samples can be collected and returned from virtually anywhere.
For those who prefer the fastest possible process, we also offer Priority in-clinic sample collection at our facility.
By visiting our clinic, you avoid both outbound and return postal transit times. The sample can be collected, prepared, and shipped to the laboratory on the same day, reducing the overall turnaround time by several days.
This option includes:
Sample collection performed by trained staff in a controlled medical setting
Priority handling throughout the process
Same-day preparation and shipment to the laboratory
Scheduled appointment times
Reduced turnaround time compared to standard home collection
After ordering, our team will contact you personally to arrange a suitable appointment time. The visit typically takes around 15-30 minutes.
Priority in-clinic sample collection: 1,495 SEK
Order your Transplant Match HLA test
Know if you are a potential match, and get the clarity needed to make informed decisions when it matters most.
Price: 8,000 SEK
Optional Priority in-clinic sample collection for faster handling and result delivery, +1,495 SEK
Medhasi, S. & Chantratita, N. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) System: Genetics and Association with Bacterial and Viral Infections. J Immunol Res2022, 9710376, doi:10.1155/2022/9710376 (2022).
Trowsdale, J. & Knight, J. C. Major histocompatibility complex genomics and human disease. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet14, 301-323, doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-091212-153455 (2013).
Neefjes, J., Jongsma, M. L., Paul, P. & Bakke, O. Towards a systems understanding of MHC class I and MHC class II antigen presentation. Nat Rev Immunol11, 823-836, doi:10.1038/nri3084 (2011).
Gluckman, E. et al. The role of HLA matching in unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease in Europe. Bone Marrow Transplant55, 1946-1954, doi:10.1038/s41409-020-0847-z (2020).
Horan, J. et al. Evaluation of HLA matching in unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for nonmalignant disorders. Blood120, 2918-2924, doi:10.1182/blood-2012-03-417758 (2012).
Dehn, J. et al. Selection of unrelated donors and cord blood units for hematopoietic cell transplantation: guidelines from the NMDP/CIBMTR. Blood134, 924-934, doi:10.1182/blood.2019001212 (2019).
Lee, S. J. et al. High-resolution donor-recipient HLA matching contributes to the success of unrelated donor marrow transplantation. Blood110, 4576-4583, doi:10.1182/blood-2007-06-097386 (2007).
Dendrou, C. A., Petersen, J., Rossjohn, J. & Fugger, L. HLA variation and disease. Nat Rev Immunol18, 325-339, doi:10.1038/nri.2017.143 (2018).
Matzaraki, V., Kumar, V., Wijmenga, C. & Zhernakova, A. The MHC locus and genetic susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases. Genome Biol18, 76, doi:10.1186/s13059-017-1207-1 (2017).
Perkins, H. A. Clinical applications of HLA typing. Clin Lab Med2, 123-135 (1982).
Di Sabatino, A. & Corazza, G. R. Coeliac disease. Lancet373, 1480-1493, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60254-3 (2009).
Ghodke, Y., Joshi, K., Chopra, A. & Patwardhan, B. HLA and disease. Eur J Epidemiol20, 475-488, doi:10.1007/s10654-005-5081-x (2005).
Sollid, L. M. et al. Evidence for a primary association of celiac disease to a particular HLA-DQ alpha/beta heterodimer. J Exp Med169, 345-350, doi:10.1084/jem.169.1.345 (1989).
Husby, S. et al. European Society Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Guidelines for Diagnosing Coeliac Disease 2020. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr70, 141-156, doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000002497 (2020).
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