For the first time, a DNA technique was used in clinical practice for pre-organ donor retrieval typing in renal transplantation. The method is based on the polymerase chain reaction with nested sequence-specific pairs (nested PCR-SSP) for all serological HLA-DR specificities of DR1-DR18. A panel of reference-typed individuals (n = 101) was investigated in a blind quality control study and the results revealed a sensitivity of 99.5% and a specificity of 100%. Semi-automation of PCR-SSP provided rapid, accurate and reliable typing results demonstrating that this DNA test is most suitable for replacing the error-prone HLA-DR serological technique. Twenty-seven consecutive cadaveric organ donors have been successfully typed so far. The results were available within less than 3 h after blood sampling and in all cases prior to the retrieval of organs. In conclusion, the introduction of this accurate DNA typing in HLA matching programs may significantly improve the graft survival rate in renal transplantation.