May 2026 - Friends of ASHI Edition

ASHI University Transition to PathLMS: Launching August 2026

Click here for step-by-step instructions and additional guidance.

ASHI University will transition to a new learning platform, PathLMS, providing a more modern, streamlined, and user-friendly experience for all learners. The new platform will continue to offer seamless single sign-on (SSO) through your ASHI membership, making access simple and convenient. PathLMS will also introduce enhanced features, including improved accessibility, comprehensive tracking of course progress and certificates, and expanded access to online courses, webinars, events, and more. As we prepare for this transition, we strongly recommend that all ACHI certificants log in to their current ASHI-U accounts in LearningBuilder and download any CE/CEC documentation no later than August 1, 2026.

ACHI Laboratory Director Examination (LDE):

New Eligibility Requirements

The updated Laboratory Director Examination (LDE) Handbook for the September 2026 testing window is now available on the ACHI Resource Hub. Prospective candidates should review the handbook carefully for updated eligibility requirements and note key dates, including the June 1–July 1 application window and September 1–30 exam period. Applicants are also encouraged to begin requesting official transcripts early, as they must be sent directly from the issuing institution (or evaluated for U.S. equivalency for international applicants) to avoid processing delays.

Registration Open: 19th International Summer School

Apply by June 30th for the 19th International Summer School on Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics being held in Greece at Lyttos Beach Resort and Sports Centre at Hersonissos, Heraklion, Crete from November 11 - 14th. This year's meeting will be hosted by EFI with support from ASHI, APHIA, and ARSHI.

The course focuses on all aspects of theoretical and applied immunogenetics and histocompatibility. The meeting is limited to a small group of participants and is geared toward graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, laboratory directors in training, and experienced technologists in the field of histocompatibility and/or immunogenetics with an interest in research or advanced learning opportunities. 

Click here for the meeting brochure and complete the application at the bottom of this page. 

NMDP: Updated HLA Confirmatory Typing Policy

Click here for an NMDP Operational Update that was recently shared with ASHI membership.

The May 25th episode of ASHI’s Coffee & Compatibility podcast will focus on HLA Involvement in Cell Therapy and features Medhat Z. Askar, MD, PhD, F(ACHI). The episode explores the role of HLA in emerging cell therapy applications and its implications for clinical practice. The podcast will be available on multiple platforms.

Each year the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics sponsors awards to recognize scientific accomplishments and contributions to the fields of histocompatibility and immunogenetics as well as service to the society. ASHI is currently accepting nominations for the following awards:

• J. Marilyn MacQueen Rising Star Award
• Distinguished Service Award
• Bernard Amos Distinguished Scientist Award
• Rose Payne Award
• Outstanding Technologist Award

Send nominations and supporting information to Jeana Hoffman. The nomination deadline for all ASHI awards is May 31, 2026. To view former award winners, please click here.

Significant updates to HLA nomenclature have recently been published by the WHO Nomenclature Committee. Click here for an update from ASHI's Accreditation Review Board (ARB) about the work being done to develop formal guidance for ASHI-accredited laboratories.

2026 AC-1 Submission Deadline – May 29th

The AC-1 result submission deadline is Friday, May 29. Labs are encouraged to submit early so any unexpected issues can be resolved well ahead of the deadline.

2026 VXM

Labs that want to participate in the optional, educational virtual crossmatch (VXM-1) challenge can submit results using Google forms (to be provided by ASHI). More details and links to participate will be provided to subscribers after the AC-1 survey closes.

Viewing/Re-Opening PT Results (prior to the deadline)

If PT results are re-opened or viewed in the PT Data Center after submission, the lab must “SUBMIT” again even if no changes are made. Failing to do so negatively impacts the status of your submitted results. Contact the PT Program Manager at chartman@ashi-hla.org if you have any result entry questions.