Definition

After transplantation, this is a method in which STR loci in a single recipient sample are amplified by PCR and analyzed by capillary electrophoresis, with donor- and recipient-specific allele patterns compared to calculate the percentage of donor cells; the detection limit is typically in the 1-5% range. Serial follow-up allows increasing recipient chimerism to be monitored as an early sign of relapse or rejection.

Method

DNA analysis

Accepted sample types

Blood (EDTA)

Description

Post-transplant transplantation success.

Inheritance

No direct somatic/germline distinction is made; the person's own inherited STR profile is used to distinguish donor-derived from recipient-derived cells.

Related Tests

Inheritance Patterns

Describes how a genetic condition is passed on within a family. There are five main patterns

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Carrier (Heterozygous / Homozygous)

Why it matters: In autosomal recessive inheritance, when each parent is a carrier (while both appear healthy), the chance of their child being born with the disease is 25% in each

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VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance)

This is the situation where the test has detected a change in the DNA, but the role of this change in the development of disease is unconfirmed.

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How to Read a Genetic Test Result (Positive / Negative / VUS)

A genetic test result falls into three main categories

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Types of Genetic Tests

A genetic test is a type of medical test that detects changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Today there are more than 77,000 genetic tests available.

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