As the blood kits roll in at U of M, and are tested, we are looking for a “perfect” match. What we mean by a perfect match is a match on six important genes. Each person inherits a double set of six major genes from their parents that produce six major corresponding antigens (molecule that stimulates an immune response). An ideal 6:6 antigen match, means that both sets of the three “most important” inherited human leukocyte antigens (cluster of genes essential to the immune system) complex are a match.
Because certain haplotypes (genetic constitution of an individual chromosome) are inherited among siblings, there is a 25-30 percent probability of finding a 6:6 match within a family. If one antigen is mismatched, it is a 5:6 match. The antigen match percentage chance of finding a donor is:
6-antigen match 25-30%
5-antigen match 40-50%
4-antigen match 50-60%
3-antigen match >90%
We are fortunate there are 10 siblings willing to be tested. Hopefully we will receive a few more results Monday or Tuesday. We’ll keep you posted, but right now Kent needs some ice cream!
