HLA Typing at Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center
At Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center, we remain committed to delivering advanced fertility techniques that meet both diagnostic and therapeutic needs. One exceptional application of our cutting-edge IVF and genetic testing services is HLA Typing, a process crucial for families seeking life-saving stem cell transplants for an existing child. Below, we offer an in-depth exploration of HLA Typing, its significance, and how it integrates with IVF to create new opportunities for patients, including those traveling from the UK.
What Is HLA Typing?
HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, a set of genes playing a pivotal role in the immune system by helping the body distinguish between its own tissues and foreign substances. While many people are familiar with blood type (e.g., A, B, AB, O), HLA typing is an entirely different category of tissue compatibility, instrumental in successful organ and stem cell transplants.
From Diagnostic to Therapeutic
Traditionally, Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) was used to detect specific genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. However, modern fertility medicine has broadened PGT’s utility to therapeutic purposes, allowing us to perform HLA typing on embryos. This approach becomes transformative in conditions such as Thalassemia, Leukemia, Fanconi Anemia, or Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome, where hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be curative.
Who Might Benefit from HLA Typing?
Families Facing Inherited Blood Disorders
- For many genetic diseases requiring stem cell transplantation, finding an optimal donor within the family is often challenging. A new sibling, created via IVF and confirmed to be HLA-compatible, can serve as a viable donor.
Patients with Repeated Donor Incompatibility
- International donor registries do not always yield successful matches, leaving families without a suitable option for life-saving transplants. HLA-typed embryos bypass this uncertainty, ensuring compatibility from birth.
Couples Seeking Dual Goals
- Not only do they wish to have a healthy baby but also to provide a therapeutic option (umbilical cord blood or bone marrow) for a sibling in need. Through HLA typing, these twin objectives can be addressed in a single IVF cycle.
In the UK alone, 1 in 25 children is born with a genetic disorder or congenital anomaly. For some of these conditions, stem cell transplantation remains a cornerstone of therapy. HLA typing at the embryonic stage can be a vital solution, especially when time is critical for the affected child’s treatment.
Patient Information Confidentiality
Our first priority in all treatment procedures performed at Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center is patient confidentiality.
Always Contact
Our patients can contact us at any time during the HLA Typing Techniques and ask any questions they may have.
Correct Treatment
Our patients only receive the HLA Typing Techniques they need. This way, they never lose any unnecessary time or money.
How Does HLA Typing Work with IVF?
1. Pre-Treatment Preparation
Genetic & Clinical Assessment: We begin by collecting blood or tissue samples from the parents and the child requiring a transplant. Our genetic specialists determine the specific HLA profile needed to match the affected sibling.
Establishing the Genetic Workflow: Over 2–4 weeks, we finalize the genetic testing protocols and confirm we can effectively screen embryos for both disease status (if relevant) and HLA compatibility.
2. IVF & Embryo Creation
- Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: The mother (or egg donor) undergoes a mild to moderate hormone regimen, encouraging multiple egg follicles to develop.
- Egg Retrieval & Fertilization: Mature eggs are collected under sedation. They are fertilized with sperm (partner’s or donor’s) in our lab to create embryos.
3. PGT for HLA Matching
- Embryo Biopsy: Between Day 3 and Day 5 of development, our embryologists take a small cell sample from each embryo.
- Genetic & HLA Analysis: Using advanced diagnostic tools, we screen for the genetic disease in question (if applicable) and verify HLA compatibility with the existing child. This step is crucial for ensuring any resulting child can donate cord blood or bone marrow to the sibling in need.
4. Selection & Transfer of Suitable Embryos
- Embryo Evaluation: Embryos free of the target genetic disorder and matching the HLA profile are identified.
- Embryo Transfer: We then place one or more compatible, healthy embryos into the mother’s uterus. A pregnancy test (beta-hCG) follows approximately 10–14 days afterward.
5. Postnatal Stem Cell Collection
- Umbilical Cord Blood: Once the baby is born, stem cells are retrieved from the umbilical cord blood. Alternatively, bone marrow can be harvested at a suitable time.
- Transplantation: These stem cells are transplanted into the sibling, offering a direct and potentially curative treatment.
Success Rates & Practical Considerations
Success Rate of Embryo Generation
- The probability of obtaining an embryo that is both genetically healthy and HLA-compatible can vary significantly. On average, about 25% of embryos may be fully compatible, though this percentage may be lower (around 18%) when testing for a specific single-gene disorder alongside HLA.
Critical Role of Embryo Quality
- High-quality eggs and sperm enhance the number of viable embryos available for testing. Women over 35 may consider advanced fertility strategies to optimize egg yield and reduce the strain of repeated cycles.
Timeframe
- The genetic preparation phase typically spans 2–4 weeks. The IVF cycle (stimulation, retrieval, testing, and transfer) usually requires an additional 3-week timeframe, so couples from the UK should plan travel logistics accordingly.
Alternative Routes
- HLA typing requires thorough medical, genetic, and psychosocial consultations. While it can be life-changing, it also involves significant financial, emotional, and logistical commitments. Our team guides you at each step, ensuring every couple is fully informed.
Why Choose Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center for HLA Typing?
Advanced Laboratory Capabilities
- Our comprehensive embryology facility and state-of-the-art genetic testing infrastructure—often in collaboration with Cyprus Ivf Center—enable us to handle complex processes like HLA typing efficiently.
Expertise in Specialized IVF Protocols
- Our medical professionals and geneticists have extensive experience managing intricate cases, including concurrent screening for hereditary diseases and HLA matching.
Support for International Patients
- Many couples from the UK face waiting lists or limited resources for specialized procedures. At Vita Altera, we offer direct scheduling, dedicated patient coordinators, and assistance with all travel arrangements, making overseas treatment more accessible.
Ethical and Empathetic Care
- Navigating the concept of a “savior sibling” can be emotionally complex. We maintain high ethical standards and provide counseling services so families can make well-considered decisions that align with both scientific feasibility and personal values.
Transparent Costs & Clear Guidance
- From the initial consultation to final embryo transfer, we keep patients informed about the procedures and associated fees. We understand the importance of budgeting for families who often juggle medical expenses and travel costs concurrently.
Embark on Your HLA Typing Journey
If you are grappling with a genetic disease within your family or require a stem cell transplant for an affected child, HLA typing via IVF stands as a vital and potentially life-saving strategy. By matching embryos with the existing child’s immunological profile, families can expand their family while offering the gift of health to a sibling in need.
To learn more about how HLA typing can be integrated into your fertility treatment or to discuss a tailored timeline for your unique situation, contact Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center today. Our specialized medical team and genetic experts will help you assess your options, ensuring a path toward hope, healing, and expanding your family under the best possible circumstances.
FAQ About HLA Typing
There are many questions about the techniques, we have selected frequently asked questions about this service. If you do not see your answer, please contact us.