New laboratory techniques aim to improve success rates and opportunities for kidney transplant candidates who are at high risk of organ rejection because of exposure to antigens. Researchers 'desensitized' antigen sensitive prospective patients by using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
 
The use of IVIG can make incompatible organs compatible and reduce rejection risks for donors who have been exposed to donor antigens in blood transfusions, previous transplants and even pregnancy.
 
Researchers can also now determine the strength of patients' antibodies using patient blood and antigens. This can more easily predict which patients are most likely to benefit from desensitization.

This article originally appeared in the October 2008 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.