Banff classification

The Banff classification revisited

Glomerulitis as a histologic feature indicating antibody-mediated rejection

Banff classification of renal allograft pathology started in 1991. Since then the classification has evolved considerably but still remains histology-based. Limitation of using traditional histology as the sole determination of allograft dysfunction is well known. The issues range from biopsy sampling error to interobserver variability in interpretation. In this minireview, Professor Solez, the founder of Banff classification, encourages the transplant community to adopt morphometry, genomics and molecular methods. The Banff classification will move toward these new technologies.

In my opinion, the incorporation of new techniques into traditional histopathology is not unique to renal allograft biopsy. We can see this trend in many field of surgical pathology.