DNA transforming into a blossoming tree representing the benefits of NGS HLA typing.

Decoding Your DNA: A Simpler, Faster Way to Understand Your Health

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 5 min read.

"NGS HLA Typing Offers High-Resolution Results with Fewer Ambiguities, Streamlining the Path to Personalized Medicine"

Imagine a world where your medical treatments are tailored specifically to your unique genetic makeup. This vision is rapidly becoming a reality thanks to advancements in genetic testing, particularly in the field of HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing. HLA typing is crucial for various medical applications, including organ transplantation, disease diagnosis, and personalized medicine. Traditional methods like SBT (Sequence-Based Typing) have been the gold standard, but they often come with limitations, such as ambiguities and the need for extensive additional testing.

Enter Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a game-changing technology that's transforming HLA typing. NGS offers a more comprehensive and efficient approach, providing high-resolution results with fewer ambiguities. This means faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. Researchers at Duke University have recently evaluated the Mia Fora FLEX11 NGS typing kit, highlighting its potential to replace traditional SBT methods and revolutionize HLA typing.

This article dives into the world of NGS HLA typing, exploring its benefits, how it compares to traditional methods, and what it means for the future of personalized medicine. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient curious about genetic testing, or simply interested in the latest scientific advancements, this article will provide a clear and accessible overview of this exciting field.

The NGS Advantage: Precision and Efficiency in HLA Typing

DNA transforming into a blossoming tree representing the benefits of NGS HLA typing.

The study, "EVALUATION OF MIA FORA NGS FLEX HLA TYPING KIT", conducted at Duke University, aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Mia Fora FLEX11 NGS typing kit as a replacement for traditional SBT methods. The core problem with traditional SBT methods is their increasing complexity as the HLA database expands. This leads to more ambiguities in results, requiring additional and often time-consuming testing to resolve. NGS technology offers a solution by providing a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of HLA genes, reducing the likelihood of ambiguous results.

The study involved analyzing 108 DNA samples, which had been previously typed using SBT and rSSO/SSP (reverse Sequence Specific Oligonucleotide/Sequence Specific Primer) methods. The researchers used the Mia Fora FLEX11 kit following the manufacturer's automated protocol. The results were impressive: the NGS typing method achieved a 99.5% concordance rate with previous typing results at the allele level. This high level of accuracy demonstrates the potential of NGS to provide reliable and consistent HLA typing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key benefits of NGS HLA typing:

Reduced Ambiguities: NGS provides more detailed genetic information, minimizing the need for additional testing to resolve ambiguities.
High Resolution: NGS offers accurate typing results at a high resolution, crucial for precise matching in organ transplantation and disease diagnosis.
Efficiency: Automated protocols streamline the NGS typing process, saving time and resources in the laboratory.
Comprehensive Analysis: NGS can identify new and rare alleles, expanding our understanding of genetic diversity and improving diagnostic capabilities.

While the study demonstrated a high concordance rate, some discrepancies were observed, particularly with DQB1, DRB3/4/5, and DPA1 genes. Additionally, allele dropout (failure to detect a specific allele) occurred in a small number of samples. However, the researchers noted that these dropouts could often be predicted by allele associations with DQA1 or DRB1. Furthermore, software glitches initially caused failures in some samples, but these were resolved by switching to a different operating system, highlighting the importance of robust software support for NGS platforms.

The Future is Personalized: NGS and the Promise of Precision Medicine

The Duke University study underscores the significant potential of NGS HLA typing to improve healthcare outcomes. By providing faster, more accurate, and less ambiguous results, NGS streamlines the HLA typing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. This is particularly important in areas like organ transplantation, where timely and precise HLA matching can significantly impact patient survival rates. As NGS technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, we can expect to see even wider adoption of this method in clinical settings, paving the way for a future of personalized medicine where treatments are tailored to each individual's unique genetic profile. This shift promises to revolutionize how we approach healthcare, leading to more effective therapies, reduced side effects, and improved quality of life for patients around the world.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary advantages of using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for HLA typing compared to traditional methods?

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) HLA typing is a revolutionary approach to genetic testing that offers several advantages over traditional methods like Sequence-Based Typing (SBT). NGS provides higher resolution results with fewer ambiguities, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses. The Mia Fora FLEX11 NGS typing kit, as evaluated in a Duke University study, exemplifies this advancement by achieving a 99.5% concordance rate with previous typing results at the allele level. This precision is crucial for personalized medicine and improved healthcare outcomes.

Are there any limitations or challenges associated with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) HLA typing, and how are they being addressed?

While Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) HLA typing offers numerous benefits, some challenges exist. The Duke University study identified discrepancies with DQB1, DRB3/4/5, and DPA1 genes, as well as allele dropout in some samples. These dropouts could sometimes be predicted by allele associations with DQA1 or DRB1. Furthermore, initial software glitches caused failures, which were resolved by switching to a different operating system. Addressing these challenges through robust software and continued refinement of NGS methodologies is essential for widespread adoption.

Why is Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing so important in organ transplantation, and how does Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) improve the matching process?

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing is crucial for several medical applications, most notably organ transplantation. Precise HLA matching between donor and recipient is vital to minimize the risk of rejection and improve patient survival rates. NGS HLA typing enhances this process by providing high-resolution results and reducing ambiguities compared to traditional methods like Sequence-Based Typing (SBT). This accuracy ensures better matching, leading to improved outcomes for transplant recipients. The ability to identify new and rare alleles also improves diagnostic capabilities and overall patient care.

How does Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) HLA typing contribute to the broader concept of personalized medicine, and what are the potential implications for patient care?

The shift to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) HLA typing signifies a move towards personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual's unique genetic profile. By providing faster, more accurate, and less ambiguous results, NGS streamlines the HLA typing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. This allows for more informed treatment decisions, reduced side effects, and improved quality of life for patients. As NGS technology becomes more accessible, the promise of personalized medicine becomes increasingly attainable.

What was the purpose of the Duke University study evaluating the Mia Fora FLEX11 NGS typing kit, and what were the key findings regarding its performance relative to Sequence-Based Typing (SBT)?

The study at Duke University evaluated the Mia Fora FLEX11 NGS typing kit, comparing its performance to traditional Sequence-Based Typing (SBT) methods. The researchers analyzed 108 DNA samples previously typed using SBT and rSSO/SSP methods. Results showed that the Mia Fora FLEX11 kit achieved a 99.5% concordance rate at the allele level, demonstrating NGS's potential to replace SBT due to its higher accuracy and reduced ambiguities. This evaluation highlights the importance of rigorous testing to validate new technologies and ensure reliable implementation in clinical settings.