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Tissue typing, also known as histocompatibility testing, is a medical process used to determine how closely a donor's tissues match a recipient's. This is crucial for successful transplant surgery. The body's immune system can attack transplanted organs or tissues if they are recognized as foreign.

The primary factors involved are human leukocyte antigens (HLA), which are proteins found on the surface of most cells. These antigens are inherited and vary greatly among individuals. Tissue typing involves analyzing a person's HLA antigens to find a compatible match. Red blood cell antigens, like those in the ABO system, are also considered, as they can also cause rejection. A close match between donor and recipient minimizes the risk of the immune system rejecting the transplant.

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