Medical Laboratory Sciences students learn about specialized lab role that supports organ transplantation
Six Medical Laboratory Sciences master's students attended a program designed to deepen their understanding of a specialized area of the medical laboratory profession responsible for the genetic and immune system testing that enables organ transplantation.
The American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) held its annual educational workshop in Austin, Texas, in June. MLS students from the region were invited to participate in the workshop’s Laboratory Professionals Day program on June 6.
The HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) lab is a specialized clinical laboratory that performs genetic and immune system testing — a part of the laboratory that , assistant professor and director of clinical education for the Division of Medical Laboratory Sciences in the School of Health Professions, finds particularly rewarding. Kudika helped organize Laboratory Professionals Day.
“The HLA area of the lab is a really great opportunity to watch patients get a second chance at life,” said Kudika, who also serves as chair of ASHI’s Laboratory Professionals Recruitment and Retention Taskforce. “They are followed for years when they are evaluated from when they need an organ, through years of testing, transplant and even after we monitor their graft. It’s a closer patient connection than some of the other areas of the lab.”
Students attending the program learned about the HLA field, had breakfast with mentors who work in HLA laboratories, attended educational sessions and learned about new technologies and applications for HLA. Alexia Andrade, a first-year master's student in the MLS program at The University of Texas at San Antonio, attended the program to learn more about the HLA field and make professional connections.
“One of the biggest takeaways for me was hearing that HLA is a great fit for individuals who enjoy puzzles, curiosity and a challenge,” Andrade said. “It resonated with me because I enjoy understanding the “why” behind laboratory results and working through complex problems. I also had the opportunity to hear stories from individuals who knew (a transplant recipient) or were one themselves. It was a heartfelt reminder that the work performed behind the scenes has a profound impact on patients' quality of life.”
Andrade was joined by classmates Elizabeth Albert, Caleb Gordon, Chloe Martinez, Natalie Rivera and Emily Stevens. Program alumni who served as mentors for the day included Sarah Aceves, Adrian Maldonado and Eshe Malone.