HLA B27 Test

HLA B27 Typing PCR blood test is a sensitive and rapid diagnostic test useful in detecting and confirming HLA B27 antigen, and can also be used to analyze the risk factors of an individual in developing an autoimmune immune disease. 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. Ankylosing spondylitis develops due to the presence of genes associated with the formation of HLA-B27 antigens on the cell surfaces. 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 like tissues of the bones and the joints.

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.

Based on your test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.

If the HLA-B27 PCR test results are above the normal range it may indicate the presence of ankylosing spondylitis.

If the HLA-B27 PCR 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.