All tests › Transplant monitoring

Donor-specific antibodies

Transplant monitoring · also printed as DSA, Donor specific antibody, Donor-specific HLA antibodies, HLA antibodies, Anti-HLA antibodies

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative, or none detected, is the expected result.

What this test measures

Donor-specific antibodies are antibodies in the recipient's blood directed against the donor's tissue-type (HLA) proteins. They can injure a transplanted organ.

Why doctors request it

Transplant clinics check them before transplantation and at intervals afterwards, or when function changes.

What commonly pushes it up

New antibodies after transplant, often when immune suppression has been reduced or missed
Antibodies present before transplant from pregnancy, transfusion or a previous transplant

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Low-level antibodies are common and are interpreted only by the transplant team

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

Got a report with Donor-specific antibodies on it?

Upload a photo or PDF and see every line against the range your lab printed, explained in plain English. First report free.

Read my report free

This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.