HLA B27 Test (Human Leucocyte Antigen B27)

A doctor may order an HLA B27 test to monitor how far an autoimmune disease has progressed in the body. This protein's presence is linked with several autoimmune and immune-mediated problems, such as:

• Ankylosing spondylitis: It is the culprit behind inflammation in the bones of the spine.
• Reactive arthritis: It is known to cause inflammation in the joints, eyes and urethra. It may also cause lesions on the skin.
• Anterior Uveitis: It can cause swelling and irritation in the eye.

HLAB27 test helps determine whether you have human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) on the surface of your cells and in turn it helps assess the likelihood that you may be suffering from an autoimmune disorder.

HLAB27 test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. A healthcare provider will draw a sample of blood from the arm of the patient. They will place an elastic around the upper portion of the arm. Then the patient will need to make a fist. They will then disinfect the site from which the sample is to be drawn. They will use a clean needle to draw the required quantity of blood in a test tube or a vial.

A negative test means that there is no HLA-B27 in your blood. It is important to note that a negative HLAB27 test does not mean that you may not have an autoimmune disorder. Your doctor will make a final diagnosis basis the symptoms that you have, and test results and he may order more tests if needed. A positive test results indicates presence of HLA-B27 in your blood. If you have symptoms or signs of spondyloarthritis, a positive HLA-B27 test may help confirm the diagnosis. However, HLA-B27 is found in some normal people and does not always mean you have a disease.

The diseases which are associated with HLA B27 tend to manifest more frequently in men but women are also susceptible. But the symptoms related to the diseases may be less in women than in men.

• Human Leukocyte Antigen B27
• Ankylosing Spondylitis HLA

• Doctors recommend the HLA B27 blood test along with other blood tests, imaging tests or urine tests to diagnose several autoimmune diseases.
• Symptoms like pain in the joints, stiffness or swelling along the spine, chest and neck, inflammation in the joints, lesions on the skin, and repeated inflammation of the eye may also compel a doctor to recommend this test.
• Doctors may even recommend HLA antigen tests if a patient is undergoing a transplant of kidney or bone marrow. They can help establish a good match between the patient and the donor.