Human ID cards

♤ Humans have an inbuilt genetic card and it’s possible to distinguish one individual from another at molecular level.

♤ This unique ID is due to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA), direct products of a group of genes found on the sixth chromosome of every human cell.

♤ The system of identification is very important in the body defence against disease. The nature of HLA antigens on the body’s ID card can tell about susceptibility and resistance to score of diseases.

♤ The information on HLA typing is also critical before a patient receives a donor organ as only people with same HLA can be immunologically compatible.