HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1: A (Quantum) Leap Forward

In the highly specialised field of transplantation, laboratory professionals rely on robust, efficient, and precise tools to provide critical data that informs life-saving decisions. With the release of HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1, One Lambda™ have delivered a software upgrade designed to complement their molecular and antibody products while meeting the evolving needs of transplant professionals.  Packed with over 100 corrections, enhancements, and new features, this latest version optimises workflows, strengthens data security, and offers cutting-edge analytical tools. 

Here’s a closer look at what makes HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 a must-have upgrade for laboratories. 

Enhancements Across All Modules 

HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 is more than an update… it’s a comprehensive overhaul that addresses user feedback and anticipates future laboratory needs. 

Antibody Analysis 

• Easier Epitope Analysis: Enhancements to the HLA Matchmaker module including eplet colour-coding and filtering, and integration of epitope-based analysis with the LABScreen™ histogram via the new Epitope Panel feature. 

• Amino Acid Module: This innovative research tool introduces sequence-based investigation, enabling amino acid motif comparisons and discovery of novel epitopes or eplets not yet catalogued in the HLA Eplet Registry. 

• Session Imports: Serum dilutions can now be applied universally across all samples in a session, reducing repetitive manual entry. 

• Expanded Analysis Fields: Key data such as sample source, secondary antibody, dilution, and treatment details are displayed during analysis and can be selected for data export. 

• Locus-Specific Cutoffs: Laboratories can define cutoffs for individual loci rather than applying a single threshold across all loci, offering greater flexibility and precision. 

Molecular Analysis 

• Optimised Storage: Molecular data from LABType™ and Micro SSP™ kits is now stored more efficiently by compressing possible allele pairs; this reduces database size without impacting usability. 

• Improved Workflow: Molecular typing results can now be automatically saved directly to patient records, streamlining documentation and ensuring accurate record-keeping. 

• DP and DQ Presentation: Allele pairs are now grouped by locus (e.g. DPA1 or DPB1), enhancing data presentation and simplifying result interpretation; additionally, the Cross-Code feature collapses alleles into G groups which reflect their peptide-binding region sequences. 

• Search Functionality: Results can be quickly found by allele name or specific column, saving time during analysis. 

Reporting and Data Management 

• Searchable Results: Users can find specific results more efficiently by searching allele names or other criteria. 

• Session Management: Users can rename existing sessions for better organisation and receive a confirmation prompt when deleting session data. 

• Nomenclature Alerts: Warning triangles highlight when updated nomenclature is available, ensuring users stay aligned with the latest standards. 

• Patient Record Enhancements: Dates of birth are now masked for privacy, and gender options have expanded beyond male/female/unknown to include administrative categories like non-binary or transgender identities, reflecting modern inclusivity. 

Integration and Compatibility 

HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 integrates seamlessly with HistoTrac™ for a unified workflow, enabling users to synchronise patient records and data analysis across platforms. The software is fully compatible with Windows 11 while staying operational on Windows 10, ensuring that laboratories can use the latest operating systems. 

Additionally, the installer now includes SQL 2019 Express, offering enhanced database performance and stability. The software stays operational with SQL 2014 Express, but One Lambda™ has withdrawn support for obsolete systems such as SQL 2008 and Windows 7 which no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. 

Security and User-Centric Features 

The improvements in HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 stem directly from feedback from those who know the software best, transplant professionals! Key enhancements include:  

• Enhanced Reporting Features: New customisable reporting templates simplify the communication of results to clinicians, saving valuable time. 

• Optimised Interface: A more intuitive design streamlines workflows, reducing clicks and making critical data more accessible. 

• General Software Improvements: From faster data processing to updated algorithms for result interpretation, HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 delivers a smoother, more efficient experience. 

You Asked, They Delivered 

By incorporating suggestions from our users, HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 bridges the gap between laboratory needs and technology, reinforcing One Lambda’s dedication to supporting transplant professionals and improving patient outcomes. 

Epitope Panel: A Game-Changer in Antibody Analysis 

One of the prominent features in HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 is the Epitope Panel, a groundbreaking tool for epitope-based analysis. Unlike HLA MatchMaker which focuses solely on positive calls, the Epitope Panel also includes a buffer zone of beads that fall just below the positive threshold. By examining these beads for epitope alignment with observed reactivity patterns, the tool eases advanced troubleshooting and discovery. 

This feature can potentially reveal reactivity differences which could impact transplant compatibility; by streamlining epitope analysis, the Epitope Panel is a significant quality-of-life improvement for labs utilizing LABScreen™ antibody kits.  

Why Wait? 

Whether you’re running molecular assays, analysing antibody profiles, or managing patient records, HLA Fusion™ 4.7.1 ensures your lab stays at the forefront of transplant diagnostics. Best of all, the software is supplied free of charge for our users! Remember, with every update we’re not just keeping pace with science… we’re shaping its future. 

Upgrade today and see the difference.