A micro-method utilizing immune adherence has been developed for the detection of HL-A antigens and the corresponding antibodies. The micro-immune adherence reaction is particularly clear and sensitive when cultured lymphocytoid cells of established human hematopoietic cell lines are used as target cells. The method is simple and rapid to perform. HL-A antigens in particulate and solubilized states can be titrated readily by inhibition of the immune adherence reaction; peripheral lymphocytes can also be typed in a similar manner.