HLA matching involves comparing the HLA genes of the donor and the recipient. There are several key HLA genes, including HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP. Each of these genes has multiple variants, making it challenging to find a perfect match. The process typically involves a blood test or a cheek swab to collect DNA samples, which are then analyzed using molecular techniques to determine the HLA types.