The HLA complex is the most polymorphic genetic systém in man yet known. The variability of the HLA antigens is given by the presence of many alleles of the HLA genes. Requirements for compatibility of HLA antigens in organ and bone marrow transplantations, and also in the determination of genetic riskfactors in autoimmune diseases evoke strong pressure on progress in HLA typing methods, mainly for increasing their sensitivity and resolution. For typing of the HLA antigens there are used cellular, serological, biochemical and DNA methods. For HLA class I typing there following tests are used: cytotoxic test (serological), CML (cellular), 1D - IEF (biochemical), RFLP, SSO, SSP - PCR, and SBT (DNA methods). For HLA class II typing, cytotoxic test (cellular), MLC (serological), RFLP, SSO, SSP - PCR, and SBT (DNA methods) are used. DNA methods represent the modem trend in the area of HLA typing and it will probably replace larger part of other HLA typing techniques. In our article, we describe the principles of methods that are used for HLA typing.

        Key words: HLA typing, MLC, CTL, IEF, PCR, SSP, SSO, RFLP, SBT. No.