The Guyana Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) has established an HLA laboratory to enhance local organ donation and transplantation services. This initiative includes the training of medical staff and investment in advanced testing equipment, which will improve donor-recipient matching, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in transplants. The GPHC has been certified as the sole transplant center in the country, marking a significant milestone for healthcare in Guyana.
The Guyana Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) has taken significant steps towards enhancing organ donation and transplantation in the country through the establishment of a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) laboratory, as reported by the Ministry of Health. This facility aims to bolster the nation’s transplant capabilities by enabling essential testing to be conducted locally, thus streamlining the entire process.
Training initiatives have been underway to develop the clinical staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) involved in transplantations. Healthcare professionals have received advanced training in Barcelona, aimed at improving the efficiency of organ and tissue transplant services in Guyana. As of 2024, the GPHC has been recognized and certified as the only transplant center in the country following the development of standard operating procedures and protocols.
HLA testing is a critical element in transplant success, aiding in the determination of donor-recipient compatibility. This testing improves matching and reduces the likelihood of organ rejection, ultimately enhancing transplant outcomes. Previously, tests were conducted abroad, resulting in high costs and potential delays for patients requiring transplants.
The Ministry of Health has invested USD $150,000 to procure advanced equipment for the HLA laboratory, including a Luminex machine and thermocycler. This investment reflects the government’s commitment to improving the country’s transplant services and providing timely, accessible care to patients in need.
From February 24-28, 2025, 15 laboratory personnel received practical training on HLA testing at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Karina Omari, an expert from One Lambda, a U.S.-based biotechnology company specializing in organ and tissue transplantation.
During an in-briefing with Dr. Omari, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted the significance of the HLA laboratory for transplant programs in Guyana, stating that it will substantially reduce the costs associated with overseas testing. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Pedro Lewis for leading this initiative and praised the medical technologists for their efforts. Dr. Lewis encouraged the team to maintain accuracy in their results to ensure reliability in transplant outcomes.
The creation of the HLA laboratory illustrates the Ministry of Health and HOATTA’s dedication to enhancing Guyana’s transplant program. By fortifying local resources and infrastructures, they are making life-saving transplants more accessible and affordable for all citizens in need of such critical care.
In summary, the establishment of the HLA laboratory by HOATTA represents a significant advancement in Guyana’s organ transplantation capabilities. With local testing now available, the costs and delays associated with foreign testing will diminish, thereby improving patient outcomes. The training of personnel and investment in state-of-the-art equipment further solidifies the country’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services, ensuring that life-saving transplants remain accessible to all citizens.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
