Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > HLA B27 Test

What is HLA B27 Test?

HLA-B27 stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen B27, an antigen located on the surface of your white blood cells. An HLA-B27 test helps determine the presence of HLA-B27 proteins within blood samples via analysis of these cells. Human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) is a protein involved in the immune system. Your body produces this protein, allowing your immune system to identify substances deemed dangerous. The presence of HLA-B27 antigen makes you vulnerable to developing a condition such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis type II, lupus erythematosus, or Crohn’s disease. 

What is the HLA B27 Test used for?

HLA-B27 test can be used along with other blood, urine, or imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. The test is not confirmatory or a biomarker for disease in an individual but acts as a predisposing factor. The test is vital in establishing the progression and evaluation of diseases associated with the antigen.

Understanding the test results and Normal range of the HLA-B27 Test

A negative test indicates that HLA-B27 is not present on your white blood cells. However, keep in mind that a negative result does not mean you do or do not have an autoimmune disorder. You should consider your symptoms, clinical examination, and other blood and urine tests when deciding whether or not to seek treatment for an autoimmune disorder.

Normal range of HLA-B27

The results of the HLA-B27 test are reported as positive or negative, indicating the presence or absence of the antigen in the individual’s blood. 

A normal result is termed “negative,” indicating the absence of HLA-B27 antigen.

    Enquire Now

    • Yes Same as WhatsApp number

    • By clicking on Send, you accept to receive communication from Yashoda Hospitals on email, SMS, call and Whatsapp.

    Book Doctor Appointment

    Book Appointment
    Book Online Doctor Appointment

    Online Video Consultation
    Search Specialty Doctor

    Find a Doctor
    Health Packages

    Health Packages

    Need Any Medical Help?

    Talk to Our Health Care Experts!

    doctor avatar

    Need Any Medical Help?

    Have any Questions?

    Why Choose Yashoda Hospitals

    Yashoda Hospitals is committed to providing world-class treatment for patients from across the globe. With the unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, intuitive care, and clinical excellence, we are the healthcare destination for thousands of international patients in India.

    blank
    Comprehensive Care

    On the journey to good health, we understand that it is important for you to feel at home. We plan out all aspects of your trip.

    blank
    Expert Doctors

    Experienced specialists perform non-invasive and minimally invasive surgeries to provide the best treatment for international patients.

    blank
    Cutting-Edge Technology

    Our hospitals are equipped with advanced technology to perform a wide range of procedures and treatments.

    blank
    Clinical Excellence

    We deliver excellence by delivering quick and efficient healthcare and through pioneering research that helps all our future.patients.

    References

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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).

    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.

    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.

    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.