October 2026 - Friends of ASHI Edition

Global Practicing Guidelines Task Force

ASHI, in partnership with APHIA, ARSHI, and EFI, has established the Global Practicing Guidelines Task Force to develop globally aligned best practice guidelines for histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratories. Laboratory directors, supervisors, and technical staff are invited to complete an 8-minute survey to help inform the guidelines, with five participants randomly selected to receive a $50 gift card. Click here to for a link to the survey and to learn more.

New in ASHI-U: Your Resource Library

There’s something new to explore in ASHI-U! We’ve launched a new Resource Library—a dedicated space where you can easily find practical, downloadable resources to support your work in histocompatibility and immunogenetics. The library is kicking off with two new PDF resources, and this is just the beginning! We’ll continue adding helpful tools and materials over time, so be sure to check back regularly. Explore the Resource Library in ASHI-U and discover what’s new!

ASHI and ACHI Renewals are Underay!

It’s that time again! The American Society of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics(ASHI) and the American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics(ACHI) are coordinating their renewal efforts to make the process even smoother. ACHI Certification renewal is underway, and dues-paying ASHI members can also renew their ASHI membership for 2027. Complimentary Friends of ASHI memberships continue automatically, so no action is needed to maintain your complimentary membership..

This year, we’re recognizing those who renew early with a chance to win complimentary registration to the ASHI Leadership Essentials Webinar Series, taking place in February! Two complimentary LEWs registrations will be awarded:

• One renewing ASHI member winner
• One ACHI certificant winner

Renew your ACHI Certification between September 1 and November 30, 2026, and you’ll automatically be entered into the prize drawing. Each winner will receive one complimentary registration (a $199+ value) to the 2027 ASHI Leadership Essentials Webinar Series. The session is scheduled to take place on February 10, 17, and 24, 2027 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET. While complimentary ASHI members do not need to renew their membership, upgrading to a dues-paying membership opens the door to additional member benefits as well as valuable resources and opportunities throughout the year.

ACHI renewal resources can be found here.

Considering ACHI certification? Click here to learn more and join today!

Considering upgrading your ASHI membership? Click here to watch a brief video

and click here to learn about membership categories.

Email info@ashi-hla.org to request a membership upgrade.

2026 EMO-2 Shipment  

The EMO-2 survey shipped on Wednesday, October 7^th.

HT-2 Survey Results Due

The HT-2 submission results deadline is Friday, October 23^rd.

2026 VXM-1 Educational Challenge

The Summary report for the VXM-1 challenge was released on September 14^th.

2027 Ordering

Online ordering for PT modules will be available in the PT Data Center in early October. To place a PT order, you must have an active ASHI account. If your lab is new to ASHI PT, additional setup is necessary to place an order. Email the PT Program Manager at chartman@ashi-hla.org for more information. The 2027 PT brochure and Shipment Schedule are available at www.ashi-hla.org/page/PT. 

ASHI-U is expanding access to educational content with new Spanish translations now available in Volume 1. Learners can explore Spanish versions of modules 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.08, and 1.10, making foundational histocompatibility education more accessible to Spanish-speaking members and learners. Audio options are also available for select modules, offering added flexibility for participants who prefer to listen while learning. At this time, audio is available for modules 1.01, 1.02, and 1.03. These updates support a more inclusive learning experience and provide additional ways to engage with ASHI-U content. Explore the available Spanish and audio resources in Volume 1 on ASHI-U.

Thank you everyone who participated in ASHI’s Coffee & Compatibility social media promotion challenge (for dues paying ASHI members)! Participants helped spread the word by sharing and reposting podcast videos for a chance to win $150 in ASHI merchandise. The promotion has officially closed, and all 10 winners have been verified. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who supported Coffee & Compatibility and helped us reach a wider audience!

Do you know a technologist who deserves recognition? Help us celebrate the technologists who make a difference! Through Tech Talk, ASHI recognizes the dedication, expertise, and contributions of laboratory professionals. Take a moment to nominate a deserving colleague and shine a spotlight on their hard work and achievements.

Submit a Tech Talk Shout-Out Nomination

ASHI shared an advocacy alert from the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) regarding the impact of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) on laboratory reimbursement. ASHI supports efforts to ensure that Medicare reimbursement accurately reflects the costs and value of the specialized laboratory services provided to patients. ASHI members are encouraged to review ADLM’s message and, if they choose, contact their legislators to support the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act.

The International Committee hosted a webinar titled Validation of Flow Cytometry Crossmatch Assay to Expedite Pre-Transplant Immunologic Risk Assessment on September 22nd. Click here to watch the recording.

ASHI Volunteer Spotlight

"...giving is living and serving is learning."

Check out our featured volunteer spotlight, Joseph Abraha!

Read more

Would you like to be featured as our next ASHI Member or Volunteer Spotlight? Click the links below to answer a few questions about your member/volunteer experience.

Member Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight

Asian Transplantation Week 2026 (ATW 2026)

Asian Transplantation Week 2026 (ATW 2026) will be held from November 12 -14, 2026 at BEXCO, Busan, Korea. The deadline for pre-registration is October 29th. Click here to learn more about the meeting.