Variable HLA expression on deceased donor lymphocytes: Not all crossmatches are created equal.

Flow cytometric crossmatch tests are used to detect donor-specific antibody and determine eligibility for transplantation. Crossmatch sensitivity is dependent on lymphocyte quality, to include HLA expression on the cell surface. The impact of HLA expression variability on crossmatch reactivity was examined using lymphocytes isolated from different donor types: deceased donor (DD) versus living donor (LD) and tissue sources (blood, spleen, or lymph nodes).