Module information

Module details

Title
Introduction to Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics
Type
Rotation
Module code
S-HAI-R1
Credits
10
Phase
1
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will introduce trainees to the laboratory practices and principles of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) in the context of their future role as a Clinical Scientist.

Work-based content

Training activities

# Learning outcome Training activity Type Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting involving  H&I and reflect on the meeting

Type OTA Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Shadow an H&I Clinical Scientist, and reflect on their role

Type OTA Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Observe molecular techniques being carried out in the laboratory and reflect on the techniques

Type OTA Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Follow the solid organ or HSCT patient pathway through the laboratory and reflect on the journey

Type OTA Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 Training activities

Explore an element of new or emerging research in the field of transplantation and reflect on the impact this will have on practice

Type OTA Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 Training activities

Review the effect of the Human Tissue Act on practice in the specialty and reflect on how this guides practice

Type OTA Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Observe reporting of HLA typing in the context of disease association and/or pharmacogenetic testing and reflect on the process

Type OTA Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Attend an operational meeting for H&I and reflect on the meeting

Type OTA Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Follow the laboratory pathway for samples requiring urgent processing and reflect on the journey

Type OTA Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Observe serology techniques and reflect on the process

Type OTA Action View

Assessments

Complete 1 Case-Based Discussion

Complete 1 DOPS or OCE

Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles

  • Under supervision, label and book samples into laboratory information management system.
  • Prepare a sample for analysis.
  • Perform an HLA type.
  • Perform a basic antibody interpretation.
  • Read a cross match plate.

Observed Clinical Event Titles

  • Gather a patient history relevant to the specialty from a patient, patient representative, or member of the multidisciplinary team.
  • Present a patient history relevant to the specialty to a member of the multidisciplinary team.

Learning outcomes

# Learning outcome
1

Explore the contribution of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics to patient care

2

Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary team in Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics

3

Describe the working practices of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics

4

Examine the impact of innovation in Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics

5

Review the effect of legislation in Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics

6

Compare and contrast the practice of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics with other specialties

Clinical experiences

Activities

Information:

There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.

Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)

Important information

The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:

  1. Describe and explain the structure and function of HLAs.
  2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the indications for kidney transplantation and haemopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.
  3. Explain the role of HLA typing in the allocation of solid organs and selection of haemopoietic stem cell donors for patients requiring transplantation.
  4. Describe how HLA is associated with the pathogenesis of specific diseases and drug hypersensitivities.
  5. Critically evaluate the technical principles of the laboratory assays used to perform HLA typing, antibody detection and cross matching.

Indicative content

Immunological basis of histocompatibility:

  • HLA molecules.
  • Antigen presentation.
  • Structure of MHC genes.
  • Polymorphism.
  • Allele nomenclature.

Kidney transplantation (as an exemplar of solid organ transplantation):

  • Structure and function of the kidney.
  • Causes and diagnosis of terminal renal failure.
  • HLA matching and organ allocation.
  • Types of donor.
  • Causes of graft rejection.

Haemopoietic progenitor cell transplantation:

  • Structure of the haemopoietic system.
  • Disorders that can be treated with haemopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.
  • Sources of HPCs and HLA matching.

Immunogenetics:

  • Disease predisposition associated with HLA alleles.
  • Drug hypersensitivities associated with HLA alleles.

Laboratory assays used in the H&I laboratory

  • HLA typing.
  • HLA antibody identification.
  • Cross matching.

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title Action
Specialty code SLS1-4-22 Specialty title Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics [2022] Action View
Specialty code SLS1-4-23 Specialty title Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics [2023] Action View
Specialty code SLS1-4-24 Specialty title Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics [2024] Action View