When it comes to matching human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, a patient’s ethnic background is important in predicting the likelihood of finding a match. This is because HLA markers used in matching are inherited. Some ethnic groups have more complex tissue types than others. So a person’s best chance of finding a donor may be with someone of the same ethnic background.
![Odds of finding a match based on ethnic background. Black or African American 29%. Asian or Pacific Islander 47%. Hispanic or Latino 48%. Native American 60%. White 79%.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bethematch.org/uploadedimages/BeTheMatchContent/Transplant_Basics/Matching_patients_with_donors/Why_race_and_ethnicity_matter/Disparity_Graphic_Standard_2021-05-21resize.jpg)
Your ethnic background can make all the difference. Join the registry and spread the word about the need to increase the ethnic background of the donor registry.