What is HLA B27 Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I need the HLA B27 Test?

HLA B27 antigen is a specific type of protein that contributes to immune system dysfunction. The presence of the HLA B27 antigen on the cell surface may result in various autoimmune diseases and disorders. It is also necessary during kidney and bone marrow transplants, where the matching of donor and recipient is crucial for successful organ transplantation.

What happens during the HLA B27 Test?

The HLA-B27 test works like any other standard blood drawing procedure. Trained staff in the doctor's office or clinical lab usually take the blood sample from your arm using a small needle. Your blood, which is collected in a tube, is sent to a lab for analysis. Most of the time, no special preparation is necessary, but don't forget to talk to your doctor before taking any medicines. The side effects during the test are mild discomfort, pain or swelling at the injection site, or lightheadedness. If you have any questions, book an appointment now.

What diseases are associated with HLA-B27?

HLA-B27 has been linked to an increased risk of developing various autoimmune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, reactive arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, anterior uveitis, and lupus erythematosus. However, it is important to understand that having the HLA-B27 antigen does not necessarily mean development of these conditions, and its absence does not rule them out either.

What is the treatment for HLA-B27 positive?

Treatment for HLA-B27 positive patients is mostly empirical and symptomatic. It involves alleviating symptoms through medications and physical therapy. It's essential to educate yourself about the condition and what treatment options are available. An effective drug therapy involving a course of anti-inflammatory drugs like indomethacin and analgesics can be given in cases of acute arthritis.

What are the symptoms of HLA-B27?

The symptoms associated with a positive HLA-B27 test may include recurrent eye inflammation (anterior uveitis), joint or urethral inflammation with skin manifestation (reactive arthritis), swelling in arms or legs, stooped posture, pain in the knees, heels, and feet (ankylosing spondylitis), and stiffness, redness, swelling, and pain in the joints.

How long does an HLA-B27 test take?

The HLA-B27 test is like a standard blood test. The blood drawn is then sent to the laboratory for test results. The testing process requires special equipment and clinical expertise and takes around 4-8 days for the results. The duration depends upon the type of methodology used, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOP), or flow cytometry (FC).

HLA-B27 negative good or bad?

The HLA-B27 negative test result is neither good nor bad. HLA-B27 is linked to a higher risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases. The absence of HLA-B27 does not rule out the possibility of autoimmune diseases, and it is critical to correlate your clinical symptoms with relevant medical tests and discuss any health concerns with a healthcare professional.

Does HLA-B27 positive indicate cancer?

A HLA-B27 positive test result does not directly indicate cancer. HLA-B27 is an antigen associated with an increased risk of certain autoimmune diseases, but it is not linked to the development of cancer. However, some autoimmune diseases may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, and this association is not specifically related to HLA-B27 positivity.

Is HLA-B27 positive dangerous?

A positive HLA-B27 test result is not a cause for immediate concern or considered dangerous. HLA-B27 antigen is associated with a higher risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, or reactive arthritis. However, it is crucial to understand that most individuals who test positive for HLA-B27 do not actually develop these conditions.