HLA B27 Qualitative
Also known as Hla B27 Qualitative Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
HLA B27 Qualitative PCR BLOOD test is done to detect and measure the levels of human leukocyte antigen B27 from the blood sample of an individual. The antigen is often related to ankylosing spondylitis (it is a type of arthritis which affects the bones of the spine and neck).
What is Ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis ( a disease which affects the bones and joints) which affects the bones of the spine which includes neck and lower back. The individuals affected by this disease would experience stiffness, moderate to severe pain from neck to the lower back. In severe conditions, the bones of the spine may fuse leading to a rigid spine. Prior detection of this condition can help in reducing the pain, controlling the bone damage and providing effective treatment.
What is HLA-B27 antigen?
HLA-B27 (Human leukocyte antigen-B27) is a type of antigen present on the surface of cells and it is the specific antigen responsible for the manifestation of the ankylosing spondylitis. An antigen can be a toxin or a foreign substance which can induce an immune response(antibodies) in the body. The antibodies are the proteins produced by our immune system to fight against foreign substances like bacteria or viruses. The presence of this antigen on the cell surface of leukocytes in an individual causes the immune system to attack its own healthy tissue/organs. The condition in which a person’s immune system attacks its own healthy organs is called an autoimmune disease.
Why this test is recommended?
This test is one among many of the tests recommended to detect and diagnose the presence of autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, etc. your doctor may advise this test if he suspects ankylosing spondylitis or if you experience symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, back pain, stiffness of the chest, etc.
This test is also recommended for individuals with a family history of ankylosing spondylitis. In case of a positive result, your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests along with this test to rule out the disease.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your HLA B27 Qualitative. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for HLA B27 Qualitative.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
Understanding your test results
Based on your test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.
If the HLA B27 Qualitative PCR BLOOD test results are above the normal range it may indicate the presence of ankylosing spondylitis.
If the HLA B27 Qualitative PCR BLOOD test results are below the normal range it may indicate that the likelihood of having ankylosing spondylitis is less. However, your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests along with this test to confirm the diagnosis.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| MALE | All age groups | Normally negative |
| FEMALE | All age groups | Normally negative |