A method for detecting one or more HLA sequence types is described that comprises the steps of: amplifying a plurality of first amplicons from a double stranded nucleic acid sample, wherein the first amplicons are amplified with a plurality of pairs of nucleic acid primers that define exons 2 and 3 of both strands of HLA loci from the group consisting of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C; amplifying the first amplicons to produce a plurality of populations of second amplicons, wherein each population of second amplicons is clonally amplified from one of the first amplicons; sequencing the plurality of populations of second amplicons to generate a nucleic acid sequence composition for each of the plurality of second amplicons; and detecting variation in the sequence composition from one or more of the second amplicons for one or more of the HLA loci..