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The HLA-B27 Test: Diagnosis and Associated Complication

The HLA-B27 Test: Diagnosis and Associated Complication

HLA B27 stands for Human leukocyte antigens-B27. It is a class -1 HLA surface antigen present on the white blood cells encoded by the B locus in themajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome number 6. HLA...

What is HLA-B27?

Other Names: Human lymphocyte antigen B27, human leukocyte antigen B27

HLA B27 stands for Human leukocyte antigens -B27. It is a class -1 HLA surface antigen present on the white blood cells encoded by the B locus in themajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome number 6. HLA protein's main function is to recognize the self-antigen fromnonself (Microbial) antigens and present it to T-cells. In some cases, a variant of HLA, HLA-B27, over-expresses and representsits cells to cytotoxic T-cells,resulting in Autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): Ankylosing spondylitis like several other arthritis conditions, can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs. The higher copy number of HLA-B27 in person is strongly associated with the early onset of Ankylosing spondylitis as compared to HLA-B27 negative persons. The evidence came from the mice studies in which mice were genetically modified to overexpress HLA B27, resulting in diseasedevelopment such as ankylosing enthesopathy. In Patients studies 90-95% of ankylosing spondylitis patients were shown to have HLA-B27 positive allele. Although the exact mechanismof how HLA -B27 causes this disease is unknown.

Who should get tested?

  • A personwho is experiencing symptomslike acute or chronic pain and swelling in joints or other body parts such as the lower back, hips, neck, and chest, and extreme tirednessshould get tested for the HLA-B27 for early detection of ankylosing spondylitis.
  • HLA-B27 is also shown to be implicated in reactive arthritis, acute anterior uveitis, iritis (Eyes disease), psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis-associated spondylo arthritis.
  • If a person hasan autoimmune disease, the Doctorrecommends it to check whether it is associated with the presence of HLA-B27 or not.
  • HLA-B27 is genetically linked so If the HLA-B27 antigen runs in the family or any family member hasan autoimmune diseaseit’s better for other family members or children to get tested to rule out the possibility of HLA-B27-associated autoimmune disease.

Method for Testing?

Real-time PCR techniques area rapid, highly specific, and sensitive method for HLA-B27 allele detection in a patient’s sample. In Real-Time PCR, specific primers and fluorescent probes are synthesized for the HLA-B27 gene and amplified so that a very small number of genes of interest can also get detected by the detector, and the result can be recorded and visualized in real-time.

Flow cytometry techniques are also rapid and inexpensive for HLA B27 detection but the major drawback is they lack specificity and result in false positives because of cross-reacting of HLA B7 with HLA B27.

Procedure for HLA- B27 Real-Time PCR test

Sample Collection: Blood Sample drawn in EDTA Tube from the vein of the patient’s arm.

Sample Transport: Collected EDTA blood tube stored at 2 to 4OC temperature and transported to testing molecular Lab.

Sample Processing: DNA is isolated from Blood samples using fully automated Nucleic acid extraction machines. After that HLA-B27 gene is amplified with the help of a Real-Time PCR machine.

Result Analysis: The doctor will analyze the result, whether the HLA-B27 gene is amplified or not, which concludes the positive or Negative result for HLA-B27. Finally, the Report is authenticated and released.

What does the HLA-B27 PCR test result mean?

The HLA-B27 result is reported as Positive or Negative.

Positive HLA-B27 Result Mean: Positive results mean patients' white blood cells have HLA-B27 antigen on them, which makes them more susceptible to developingor having certain autoimmune diseases such as Ankylosing spondylitis.

Note: Although HLA-B27 presence is strongly associated with autoimmune disease, not all HLA-B27-positivepersons develop autoimmune disease, and all patients suffering from autoimmune disease are HLA-B27 positive. Therefore, clinical correlation is required for the final diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder.

Requirement for the HLA-B27 Testing

There is no special requirement for testing however it’s better to inform the phlebotomist if you are taking any medication or have any allergy or medical condition such as bleeding or clotting.

The risk associated with HLA-B27 Testing

There is no risk involved in HLA-B27 testing, therefore patient does not require any special attention after testing.

Note for patients: although blood is collected from experienced phlebotomists, there are chances that patients may feel discomfort or pain at the vein puncture sitewhich is normal.

Cost of HLA-B27 PCR test in Delhi /NCR

The price of the HLA-B27 PCR test varies from lab to lab and depends on Lab certification, the instrument used, and qualified technical staff and doctors.

HLA-B27 PCR test at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) certified lab for HLA-B27 testing. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratory infrastructure, technical staff, and equipment based on national and international standards.

The lab hasstate-of-the-art machines such asBio-RadReal-Time PCR machine, fully closed Truelab Quattro Real-Time Quantitative PCR Machine,Genetix HT 96 Purifier Machine, and qualified techniques to perform testing and doctor for result analysis and report authentication.

The use of fully automated machines at Ganesh Diagnostic eliminates the errorsthat can happen due to human intervention. All this makes sure thatthe patient will receive a reliable and 100% accurate diagnostic reportfor the test.

The report for the HLA-B27 PCR test is provided within 24 hours of sample collection.

We offer Free Home collection and Online report facilities are provided by Ganesh Diagnostic so that patients can get tests from the comfort of their homes.

The facility for Pathology testing operates 24x7, 365 days, providing service to patients round the clock!

At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, all diagnostic test prices are very reasonable, and currently HLA-B27 PCR test is done at 50% OFF.

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