Nevada Donor Network Laboratories
Immunogenetics and Anatomic Pathology
Nevada Donor Network Clinical Laboratory Services offers an array of on-demand lab testing that serves as essential information to healthcare providers in providing quality patient care. Our goal is to provide quality service to patients and providers both pre- and post-transplant.
Accreditation and Quality
Our laboratory is accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). We are certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and licensed by the State of Nevada to perform high-complexity testing, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in all our services.
Medical Director of Clinical Laboratories
Dr. Phillip Ruiz is the Medical Director for the Clinical laboratory at Nevada Donor Network. Dr. Ruiz is an internationally recognized expert in transplantation-pathology, histocompatibility, immunology and immunopathology. He received his PhD in immunology from the University of Florida, his MD from George Washington University and his residency (pathology)/ fellowship training at Duke University. He has been at the University of Miami since 1989, where he is a Professor of Pathology and Surgery, the Medical Director of the Transplant Laboratories and Director of Immunopathology. His research interests include immune tolerance, subclinical rejection and the interaction of innate immunity with alloreactivity. He has more than 485 peer-reviewed journal articles and numerous chapters and is a frequently invited speaker at worldwide meetings. He is on the editorial board and/or a reviewer of numerous journals and a member of many professional organizations.
Phillip Ruiz, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.S.T.
Associate Laboratory Director
Zahra Mehdizadeh Kashi, PhD, HCLD, is a board-certified molecular immunohematologist with over 33 years of leadership in clinical laboratories. Dr. Kashi completed her undergraduate studies in Clinical laboratory Science (CLS) at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU). After successful CLIA board certifications, she began her HLA career. Dr. Kashi pursued her graduate studies by attending Portland State University (PSU), where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Immunology. Dr. Kashi obtained her doctorate degree in molecular immunohematology from Portland State University. She also completed the Michigan Ross Executive MBA Program at the University of Michigan. After graduation, she successfully obtained her board certification and was appointed as the Histocompatibility Laboratory Director of the American Red Cross (ARC). Despite the progressive advancement of responsibilities in her career with the ARC, she established Kashi Clinical Laboratories to better support cellular therapy advancements. Her goal was to offer services to better patient care before and after transplantation. Dr. Kashi has managed a quality operation in the field of transplantation and transfusion support for over 32 years. Her main research interest is the role of histocompatibility molecules in the pathophysiology of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). Dr. Kashi is active in various regulatory agencies including the American Society of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ASHI), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) where she has served in many roles ranging from inspecting laboratories to serving on the Board of Directors.
Zahra Mehdizadeh Kashi, PhD, HCLD
Immunogenetics
The Immunogenetics Laboratory is dedicated to supporting solid organ transplantation through a comprehensive suite of specialized testing services. As the only HLA laboratory in the state of Nevada, we serve as a critical resource for the University Medical Center for Transplantation of Southern Nevada (UMCSN), Renown Transplant Institute, and extend our expertise to clients in Arizona and California.
Our Services
HLA Typing
We perform high-resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing for both organ donors and recipients. This testing determines the genetic compatibility between donor and recipient, which is essential for successful transplantation outcomes.
HLA Antibody Testing
Our laboratory conducts detailed HLA antibody screening to identify anti-HLA antibodies in transplant candidates. Detecting these antibodies is crucial for assessing the risk of antibody-mediated rejection and guiding transplant decisions.
Flow Cytometric Crossmatching
We utilize flow cytometry-based crossmatch assays to evaluate donor-recipient compatibility at a cellular level. This sensitive technique helps identify the presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) that could increase the risk of transplant rejection.
Post-Transplant Monitoring
Our laboratory plays a critical role in post-transplant care through close collaboration with the Anatomic Pathology Department and the Transplant Center. We provide comprehensive monitoring by integrating biopsy analysis and antibody testing to support timely and informed clinical decisions.
Effective post-transplant monitoring is essential for the early detection of immune responses that may compromise graft survival. By offering precise and coordinated testing services, we help clinicians manage transplant recipients with confidence and accuracy.
See Laboratory Test Directory for specimen requirements.
Anatomic Pathology Services for
Transplant Pathology
Our anatomic pathology services are dedicated to supporting the unique needs of transplant programs, offering specialized expertise in the evaluation of native and transplanted organs. Our team of subspecialized pathologists provides rapid, accurate, and actionable insights to guide transplant physicians and optimize patient outcomes.
Scope of Services
Pre-Transplant Evaluation
• Histopathologic assessment of native organs to determine underlying disease and suitability for
transplantation.
• Donor organ quality assessment and risk stratification using advanced histology and molecular
techniques.
Post-Transplant Monitoring
• Routine and urgent interpretation of allograft biopsies for early detection of rejection, infection,
recurrent disease, and other complications.
• Comprehensive analysis of explanted organs to understand causes of graft failure and inform future
management.
Specialized Diagnostic Techniques
• Routine histology, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy for
detailed tissue analysis.
• Advanced molecular diagnostics, including next-generation HLA sequencing and donor-specific
antibody (DSA) monitoring, for precise donor-recipient matching and post-transplant surveillance.
Digital Pathology & Telepathology
• Fully digital workflow for rapid slide scanning, remote consultation, and seamless collaboration with
transplant teams, ensuring timely expert opinions regardless of location.
• Secure telepathology services for real-time case review and second opinions.
See Laboratory Test Directory for biopsy requirements.
Contact our Clinical Laboratories
For more information about our services or to request a consultation, please contact our laboratory at:
Immunogenetics Lab | (702) 317-1103 or via email at HLALab@nvdonor.org
Anatomic Pathology Lab | (702) 444-3287 or via email at _NDNHistology@nvdonor.org
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday | 6:30am - 4:30pm
Priority/STAT Testing available upon request
Address:
Nevada Donor Network Clinical Laboratories
2055 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104