Primers for amplification of specific nucleic acid sequences of the second and third exon of HLA Class I A gene and probes for identifying polymorphic sequences contained in the amplified DNA can be used in processes for typing homozygous or heterozygous samples from a variety of sources and for detecting allelic variants not distinguishable by serological methods. This HLA-A DNA typing system can be used in a forward or reverse dot-blot format that is simple and rapid to perform, produces detectable signals in minutes, and can be used for tissue typing, determining individual identity, and identifying disease susceptible individuals.