Guyana establishes local transplant testing lab

Mar 13, 2025 News

-with procurement of state-of-the-art equipment, training of personnel

Kaieteur News- The Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced that the country now has the local capabilities to provide essential transplant testing through the establishment of a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) laboratory.

Guyana establishes local transplant testing lab

Dr. Karina Omari (sitting) along with Representative from One Lambda and local training participants

In a release issued on Wednesday, the ministry noted the Guyana Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) continues to build robust systems to strengthen both living and deceased organ donation and transplantation. A significant milestone in this effort is the establishment of the Human Leukocyte Antigen laboratory.

According to the ministry, a key component of a successful transplant programme is HLA testing, which plays a critical role in determining donor-recipient compatibility.

“HLA markers help match donors and recipients more effectively, reducing the risk of organ rejection and improving transplant outcomes,” the ministry explained. Currently, HLA testing is performed abroad, leading to high costs and delays for patients in need of transplants, the ministry revealed.

In establishing the testing locally and making the service more accessible and affordable for all Guyanese, the Health Ministry stated that it has since procured state-of-the-art equipment to establish the HLA laboratory, including a Luminex machine, centrifuge and thermocycler and reagents at a cost of US$150,000.

“This investment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transplant services and ensuring timely and accessible care for patients,” the agency reported.

Not only has the equipment been procured, but a number of local health personnel have been trained in handling the equipment and in performing the testing. “On February 24-28, 2025, 15 laboratory personnel were trained on HLA testing, gaining hands-on experience with the newly acquired equipment at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory. The lead trainer, Dr. Karina Omari, HLA laboratory expert from One Lambda, a well-known laboratory and biotechnology company based in the United States that specializes in HLA typing and antibody detection for organ and tissue transplantation,” the ministry announced.

At an in-briefing meeting with Dr. Omari and team, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony emphasized the importance of this milestone for Guyana’s transplant programme. He noted that “the establishment of the HLA laboratory marks a transformative step in our efforts to enhance organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana. With local HLA testing, patients will no longer have to bear the high costs of overseas testing, and results will be available much faster—ultimately improving the efficiency and success of transplants in the country.” It was reported by the ministry, that to date, the HOATTA has made significant strides in building the capacity of clinical staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) involved in the transplant process.

Notably, several healthcare professionals have received advanced training in Barcelona, equipping them with the expertise needed to improve organ and tissue transplant services in Guyana. Additionally, Standard Operating Procedure and Protocols were developed and in 2024, and that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation was assessed and certified as a transplant centre – the only certified transplant centre in the country.

(Guyana establishes local transplant testing lab)

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Dr. Frank Anthony, establishment, Health, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) laboratory, transplant testing

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