Provided are methods for rapid
multiplex HLA genotyping and transcript quantitation. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods include providing a. sample from the
cell, tissue, or organ that has mRNA derived from an HLA
gene product; reverse transcribing the mRNA to produce a.
pool of cDNAs; amplifying the cDNAs that result from reverse transcription of HLA-specific mRNAs to produce a
pool of HLA-specific cDNAs; and determining the sequence of each HLA-specific cDNAs, whereby the HLA status of the
cell, tissue, organ, or subject is determined. Also provided are methods for
genotyping donor cells, tissues, and / or organs meant for
transplantation into recipients. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to identify the presence of absence of each of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB 1 / 3 / 4 / 5, -DQA1, and -DQB1 in a biological sample.