Laboratory Analysis Services
Héma-Québec is recognized as a reference centre for transfusion medicine, offering specialized analysis services to institutions in the Québec healthcare network. From routine screening, expanded phenotyping and detailed molecular testing of blood groups to complex antibody research, Héma-Québec’s laboratories provide solutions and the technical expertise that health professionals require to guarantee the safety and well-being of their patients. These laboratories are located in Montréal and Quebec City.
Immunohematology Laboratory
Immunohematology testing is done to prevent the risk of hemolytic diseases. This testing is vital for transfusions and transplants, as well as for pregnancy follow-up and the assessment of hemolytic anemias.
We identify and solve problems related to the transfusion of red blood cells. We provide services to help hospitals solve serology problems involving patients’ red blood cells. Our testing enables health professionals in hospitals to screen for alloimmune patients (or those at risk of becoming alloimmune) and suggest optimal care. Solving complex problems related to red cell antibodies may require the use of serology or advanced genotyping tests.
Our laboratory conducts screening and red cell antibody testing for:
- Perinatal screening
- Investigation of complex cases
Request form:
- Requête pour études sérologiques (ENR-00594) - in French only
Our genotyping services complement the serology tests. We use advanced molecular testing platforms to provide the genotyping of red cell antigens.
Our laboratory performs red blood cell genotyping for the:
- Sequencing of antigen-producing genes for more complex cases
- Genotyping of 37 antigens derived from 10 blood groups
- These antigens may belong to blood group systems, such as the Rhesus (C, E, c, e), Kell (K), Duffy (Fya, Fyb), Kidd (Jka, Jkb) and MNS (S, s) systems
- Study of genetic variants to RhD causing a weak antigen D expression in women aged 45 years or less of childbearing potential
- Identification or confirmation of rare red blood cell genotyping
Request forms:
IgA testing is required to identify whether a patient suffers from IgA deficiency below the clinically significant threshold (<0.05 mg/dL or 0.5 mg/L). Anti-IgA testing is subsequently done if the IgA testing shows that the patient is IgA-deficient. The objective is to ensure that patients who are IgA-deficient and have a history of severe allergic reactions to transfusions because of an anti-IgA antibody are transfused with blood products whose IgA level is below the clinically significant threshold.
Our laboratory performs the following tests:
- Identification of IgA deficiency
- Detection of anti-IgA antibodies in IgA-deficient patients
Request form:
- Requête pour dosage IgA (ENR-02066) - in French only
- Blood regulations (DORS/2013-178) – Guidance document: Blood regulations, Health Canada
- CSA-Z902 standard – Blood and blood components
- ISO 15189 – Medical laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence. Standards Council of Canada
Montréal – During business hours, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Friday (genotyping, IgA measurement and anti-IgA detection)
- Phone: 514-832-5000, ext. 6300
- Fax: 514-904-8554
Québec – During business hours, 8 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Friday (investigation of serology cases)
- Phone: 418-780-4362, ext. 3221
- Toll-free: 1-800 267-9711, ext. 3221
- Fax: 418-780-2088
Platelet Immunology Laboratory
Platelet immunology tests are conducted when there is:
- Fetomaternal alloimmunization to platelet antigen HPA;
- Refractoriness to platelet transfusion;
- Autoimmune incompatibility in cases of thrombopenia; or
- A diagnosis of inherited constitutional thrombocytopathies.
Héma-Québec’s platelet immunology laboratory performs HPA and HLA antigen typing and anti-HPA and anti-HLA antibody research to help health professionals care for thrombocytopenic patients. More specifically, our laboratories conduct the investigations listed below to search for and identify anti-HPA (HPA-1 to -5 and HPA-15) and anti-HLA (class I) antigens, as well as perform HPA (HPA-1 to -11 and HPA-15) and HLA (loci A and B) genotyping.
- Investigation of cases of patients resistant to platelet transfusions for transfusion support
- Investigation of cases of neonatal thrombocytopenia
- Investigation of cases of autoimmune and unexplained thrombocytopenia
- Support to HPA and HLA typed platelet donor registries
Request form:
- Blood regulations (DORS/2013-178) – Guidance document: Blood regulations, Health Canada
- CSA-Z902 standard – Blood and blood components
- ASHI standard – American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
- ISO 15189 – Medical laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence. Standards Council of Canada
During business hours, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Phone: 514-832-5000, ext. 6300 or 6315 (after 3 p.m.)
- Toll-free: 1-888-666-4362
- Fax: 514-832-0271
Leuco-Platelet Immunology (HLA) Laboratory
Leuco-platelet immunology tests are conducted as part of the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation process to ensure that the donor and recipient are compatible, as well as during follow-up to the transplant. These tests are also done on patients who are refractory to platelet transfusion and on donors of HLA-typed platelets (see the previous section titled Platelet Immunology Laboratory).
Our laboratory performs HLA antibody serological testing and HLA typing to guide in the selection of stem cell donors for patients awaiting a transplant who are:
- Related;
- Unrelated (Stem Cell Registry or cord blood donor);
- Haploidentical.
The laboratory provides:
- Screening for and identification of class I and class II HLA antibodies
- Low-resolution (by SSO) and high-resolution (by NGS) HLA typing for HLA-A, -B, -C, DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, DRB5, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 and DPB1 loci
Request form:
- ISO 15189 – Medical laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence. Standards Council of Canada
- ASHI standard – American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
During business hours, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Phone: 514 832-5000, ext. 6300 or 6315 (after 3 p.m.)
- Toll-free: 1 888 666-4362
- Fax: 514 832-0271