1990 cell typings in the International Cell Exchange.

1. A yearly summary of the previous year's cells typed through the International Cell Exchange allows a participating laboratory to compare its own performance with 292 currently participating exchange laboratories, inasmuch as each laboratory receives its individual antigen report. We present an annual summary for the 1990 typings of 40 cells sent for Class I and 20 cells sent for Class II antigens. 2. The mean detection percentages and the detection ranges for 21 WHO-designated (well-defined) and 21 WHO-provisional (with "w" designations, less well-defined) antigens were determined for the Class I cells typed in 1990. Seventeen WHO antigens showed 95% or greater detection levels. The remaining WHO antigens showed at least 90% agreement, with the exception of B38. More variation in detection is observed in the WHO-provisional antigens. Aw33, Bw50, Bw60, and Bw62 showed 90% or greater average detection percents. In recent years, antigens such as Bw46 and Bw70, have shown great improvement in detection. 3. The percent discrepancy rates of 8 HLA-A,B antigens typed 4 times or more in 1990 were presented as well as the total percent discrepancy rates for all Class I antigens. Comparison of 1990 figures with those of 1988 and 1989 shows a marked decrease in the total discrepancy rates. 4. The number of false negatives and false positives for the Class I antigens indicates that few laboratories have trouble typing the WHO antigens; as many as 115 laboratories had 0 misses. However, a greater number of laboratories missed the less well-defined WHO-provisional antigens: 7 laboratories had 0 misses for all the antigens and 4 laboratories had perfect records (0 false negatives and false positives) for cells typed in 1990. 5. In 1990, the cell exchange continued to study new cell variants. An A10 (A26x34) variant was detected in 4 cells and another possible variant, B7x40 (DT), was determined in 3 cells. 6. The average detection percentages and detection ranges were determined for 23 Class II antigens. Improved detection is indicated. At least 9 Class II antigens showed 90% or greater agreement level, of which at least 4 had 95% or greater mean detection. 7. Since the incorporation of DNA typing results in the B-cell line exchange reports in July 1990, the Class II antigen splits in 11 cells have been confirmed or clarified. Two Class II variants were also confirmed by the DNA laboratories. Presently, 145 serology and 7 DNA laboratories are in this exchange.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)