Panel-reactive antibody

Panel-reactive antibody (PRA) is a measure of the level of sensitization of a patient who is waiting for an organ transplant. It refers to the percentage of cells from a panel of donors against which a potential recipient has antibodies. The higher the PRA, the more difficult it is to find a compatible donor.

Definition

Panel-reactive antibody (PRA) is a measure of the level of sensitization of a patient who is waiting for an organ transplant. It refers to the percentage of cells from a panel of donors against which a potential recipient has antibodies. The higher the PRA, the more difficult it is to find a compatible donor.

Measurement

PRA is measured by mixing a patient's serum with lymphocytes from a panel of donors. The percentage of the panel that reacts positively is the PRA. A high PRA can make it difficult to find a compatible donor, and can increase the risk of rejection after transplantation.

Causes of High PRA

High PRA can be caused by previous exposure to foreign human tissue, such as through blood transfusions, previous transplants, or pregnancy. It can also be caused by autoimmune diseases.

Implications for Transplantation

A high PRA can make it difficult to find a compatible donor, and can increase the risk of rejection after transplantation. Patients with a high PRA may need to wait longer for a transplant, and may need to be more closely monitored after transplantation.

See Also

• Organ transplantation
• Immunology
• Autoimmune diseases
• Blood transfusion

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