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HLA B27 studies (PCR)-Qualitative
Immunity
Report in 12Hrs
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No Fasting Required
Details
HLA-B27 is not a disease but is strongly associated with autoimmune disorders, especially seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
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HLA B27 Studies (PCR)-Qualitative
- Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: Detects the presence or absence of Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 (HLA-B27) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology; provides a qualitative result (positive or negative)
- Primary Indications: Suspected ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other seronegative spondyloarthropathies
- Clinical Suspicion: Chronic back pain with inflammatory characteristics, eye inflammation (uveitis), inflammatory bowel disease with arthralgias, or unexplained peripheral arthritis
- Genetic Predisposition Assessment: Family history of HLA-B27 associated diseases or screening of first-degree relatives
- Timing: Typically ordered during initial diagnostic workup when spondyloarthropathy is suspected; does not require repeated testing as HLA status remains constant throughout life
- Normal Range
- Normal Result: NEGATIVE or ABSENT; indicates no HLA-B27 allele detected
- Abnormal Result: POSITIVE or PRESENT; indicates HLA-B27 allele detected
- Units: Qualitative (Yes/No, Present/Absent, or Positive/Negative); no numerical values
- Population Frequency: Approximately 6-8% of the general population carries HLA-B27; varies by ethnicity (higher in Northern Europeans and Scandinavians, lower in African and Asian populations)
- Interpretation: Normal (Negative) means person does not carry HLA-B27 and has very low risk for HLA-B27 associated spondyloarthropathies; Abnormal (Positive) indicates carrier status but does NOT diagnose disease (only 5-10% of HLA-B27 positive individuals develop spondyloarthropathy)
- Interpretation
- Positive HLA-B27 Result: Individual carries the HLA-B27 allele; significantly increased genetic predisposition to develop spondyloarthropathies; 90% of ankylosing spondylitis patients are HLA-B27 positive; strongly associated with reactive arthritis and other seronegative spondyloarthropathies; presence alone does not confirm diagnosis without clinical and radiological findings
- Negative HLA-B27 Result: Individual does not carry HLA-B27 allele; markedly decreased risk for typical HLA-B27 associated spondyloarthropathies; does not completely exclude disease (10% of ankylosing spondylitis cases are HLA-B27 negative); helps rule out seronegative spondyloarthropathy as primary diagnosis
- Clinical Correlation Required: HLA-B27 testing should not be used as a screening test in asymptomatic populations; must be interpreted with clinical presentation, imaging findings (MRI/CT), inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), and other laboratory results
- Factors Affecting Results: Genetic factors determine HLA-B27 status from birth; ethnicity influences prevalence; results remain constant throughout life and are not affected by disease activity, medications, or lifestyle factors
- Clinical Significance: Diagnostic utility highest when combined with clinical symptoms and other findings; serves as marker of genetic susceptibility rather than definitive diagnostic test; negative result in symptomatic patient should prompt consideration of alternative diagnoses or HLA-B27 negative disease variants
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: Axial skeleton (spine, sacroiliac joints), peripheral joints (knees, hips, ankles), immune system
- Associated Diseases: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting spine; Reactive arthritis (formerly Reiter's syndrome); Psoriatic arthritis; Enteropathic arthritis (associated with inflammatory bowel disease); Undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy
- Ocular Manifestations: Anterior uveitis (eye inflammation); iritis; conjunctivitis
- Gastrointestinal Involvement: Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) frequently associated with HLA-B27; increased risk of arthritis in IBD patients
- Cardiovascular Complications: Aortic insufficiency; aortic root dilatation (in advanced AS); cardiac conduction abnormalities; increased cardiovascular mortality risk
- Pulmonary Involvement: Upper lobe pulmonary fibrosis; reduced pulmonary function; increased risk of tuberculosis (particularly with TNF inhibitor therapy)
- Skin and Mucosal Sites: Psoriasis (30-40% of HLA-B27 positive patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis); oral ulcers; nail changes
- Potential Complications: Spinal fusion and ankylosis leading to reduced mobility; chronic pain and disability; visual impairment from uveitis; quality of life limitations; depression and anxiety secondary to chronic disease
- Follow-up Tests
- If HLA-B27 Positive with Clinical Suspicion: Inflammatory markers - Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to assess inflammatory activity
- Imaging studies - X-rays of sacroiliac joints and pelvis to detect characteristic changes of AS; MRI of spine for early inflammatory changes; CT imaging if advanced disease suspected
- Rheumatology panel - Rheumatoid factor (RF), Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP), Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) to exclude other autoimmune conditions
- Infectious serology - If reactive arthritis suspected, testing for Chlamydia, Yersinia, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, and urogenital pathogens
- If HLA-B27 Negative with Clinical Suspicion: Alternative diagnoses workup including complete metabolic panel, liver function tests, and tissue biopsy if indicated
- HLA-B27 negative seronegative spondyloarthropathy testing using other genetic markers when applicable
- For Established Diagnosis Follow-up: ESR and CRP every 3-6 months to monitor disease activity and treatment response
- Imaging surveillance - Periodic X-rays or MRI (typically annually or as clinically indicated) to assess disease progression
- Ophthalmologic examination - Regular assessment for uveitis, especially if history of eye inflammation; baseline and periodic comprehensive eye exams
- Cardiac monitoring - Baseline electrocardiogram and echocardiogram; periodic reassessment if advanced disease or new cardiac symptoms
- Pulmonary function testing - If respiratory symptoms present or on TNF inhibitor therapy; baseline and serial assessments
- Bone mineral density assessment - DEXA scan to screen for osteoporosis and monitor progression
- Related Complementary Tests: HLA-B7, HLA-B60, and other HLA allele testing in complex diagnostic scenarios; genetic counseling for family members with positive HLA-B27 results
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is not required for HLA-B27 testing
- Sample Collection: Blood sample drawn via venipuncture into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tube or appropriate tube as specified by laboratory; typically 3-5 mL
- Medications: No medications need to be avoided; continue all routine medications including immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and biologic agents as prescribed; medication use does not affect HLA-B27 status determination
- Patient Preparation: No special preparation required; patient may eat and drink normally before test; can be collected at any time of day
- Special Instructions: Inform phlebotomist of any bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use; apply pressure to venipuncture site for a few minutes; no arm exercises or heavy lifting for several hours after blood draw
- Sample Stability: Blood samples should be delivered to laboratory within 24-48 hours; store at room temperature or refrigerate according to laboratory specifications
- Turnaround Time: Results typically available within 3-7 business days; may vary by laboratory and testing methodology
How our test process works!

