FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2002          
       
CONTACT: Jennifer Szwalek
Public Relations Director
(856) 638-0428
E-mail: jszwalek@ahint.com

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY AND
IMMUNOGENETICS LAUNCHES PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM

MT. LAUREL, N.J. - The American Society for Histocompatibility and
Immunogenetics (ASHI) is pleased to announce its enhanced proficiency
testing program available in January 2003.

The program design exclusively addresses the standards for laboratory
accreditation of the clinical histocompatibility laboratory and is
administered by ASHI, a leader in histocompatibility testing.

Within the five testing categories, serological typing, molecular
typing, HLA crossmatching/antibody screening, HLA-B27 detection and
engraftment monitoring, there are multiple packages available to
customize the proficiency needs for each laboratory. Competitively
priced, the program offers simplified submission and reporting of
results, including a rapid turnaround of summary reports.

ASHI is a not-for-profit association of clinical and research
professionals including immunologists, geneticists, molecular
biologists, transplant physicians and surgeons, pathologists and
technologists. As a professional society involved in histocompatibility,
immunogenetics and transplantation, ASHI is dedicated to advancing the
science and application of histocompatibility and immunogenetics,
providing a forum for the exchange of information and advocating the
highest standards of laboratory testing in the interest of optimal
patient care.

For more information about the proficiency testing program or the
American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, contact its
executive offices by phone at (856) 638-0428 or visit the Web site at
www.ashi-hla.org.