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HLA-B27 is a blood test to look for specific protein found on the surface of white blood cells. The protein is called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27).
Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are proteins that help the body's immune system tell the difference between its own cells and foreign, harmful substances.
See also: Histocompatibility antigen test
Alternative NamesHuman leukocyte antigen B27
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is usually necessary.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. HLA type B27 is associated with autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter syndrome. The test may be done along with other tests, including an ESR, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor.
HLA antigen testing is also used to match donated tissue to organ recipients. For example, it may be done when a person needs a kidney transplantor bone marrow transplant.
Normal ValuesA normal (negative) result means HLA-B27 is absent.
However, HLA-B27 is found in 5 - 7% of Caucasians who do not have an autoimmune disorder.
What abnormal results meanA positive test means HLA-B27 is present. It suggests a greater-than-average risk for developing:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Reiter syndrome
- Sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint)
In the presence of suggestive clinical findings, a positive HLA-B27 test may confirm the diagnosis.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoHLA-B27 is a blood test to look for a protein that is found on the surface of white blood cells. The protein is called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27).
Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are proteins that help the body's immune system tell the difference between its own cells and foreign, harmful substances.
See also: Histocompatibility antigen test
Alternative NamesHuman leukocyte antigen B27
How the test is performedA blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. HLA type B27 is associated with autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter syndrome. The test may be done along with other tests, including:
- C-reactive protein
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR)
- Rheumatoid factor
- X-rays
HLA antigen testing is also used to match donated tissue in a person who is getting an organ transplant. For example, it may be done when a person needs a kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant.
Normal ValuesA normal (negative) result means HLA-B27 is absent.
What abnormal results meanA positive test means HLA-B27 is present. It suggests a greater-than-average risk for developing or having certain autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.
An abnormal result may be caused by:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Arthritis related to Crohn's disease
- Reactive arthritis
- Sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint)
- Uveitis
If there are symptoms or signs of an autoimmune disease, a positive HLA-B27 test may confirm the diagnosis. However, HLA-B27 is normally found in a small number of Caucasians and does not always mean you have a disease.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Miller FW. The spondyloarthropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 286.
van der Linden SM, van der Heijde D, Maksymowych WP. Ankylosing spondylitis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED, et al, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 70.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/23/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylsing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. It is an arthritic condition generally affecting the spine although it may also affect large joints such as knees, jaw, ankles, and shoulders. As can also attack the rib cage, limiting chest expansion and inhibiting breathing. It ususally affects males 17 to 22 years of age. It is also found among the female population. AS is mostly found among the population with B+ blood and a gene called hlaB27. This is found by taking a blood sample. Diagnosis of AS is a process of eliminating other conditions that are similar in appearance. AS is also called 'the great imitator' as the condition may resemble many conditions including cancer and multiple sclerosis. A patient may be diagnosed by taking x-rays and a simple blood test. AS can also attack internal organs around the spinal region of the body and can cause secondary conditions such as hammer toe and iritis. Over time, the spine or other joints may fuse together causing what is known as 'poker spine' and the person will not be able to bend over at all. The condition can become debilitating but not often fatal. The disorder can cause other autoimmune and chronic disorders that may lead to fatalities due to kidney disease or swollen heart. Some patients have been known to die from medications used to treat the illness. The presence of hlaB27 does not mean the person will develope AS but the gene is found in over 97% of sufferers with AS. People with AS should keep x-rays to a minimum as this has been shown to be contradictory in some people and may cause leukemia.
What is homeopathic medicine for ankylosing spondylitis?
Non Steroidal AntiInflammatory Drugs, (NSAID's), like Naprosyn or Indocin are used to relieve pain and stiffness. In severe cases, Azulfidine, another drug to reduce inflammation, or methotrexate, an immune suppressing drug, is recommended. In cases where chronic therapy is needed, potential drug side effects must be taken into consideration. Corticosteroid drugs are effective in relieving symptoms, but are usually reserved for severe cases that do not improve when NSAID's are used. To avoid potential side effects, treatment withhttp://www.answers.com/topic/corticosteroid is usually limited to a short amount of time. Ankylsing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. It is an arthritic condition generally affecting the spine although it may also affect large joints such as knees, jaw, ankles, and shoulders. As can also attack the rib cage, limiting chest expansion and inhibiting breathing. It usually affects males 17 to 22 years of age. It is also found among the female population. AS is mostly found among the population with B+ blood and a gene called hlaB27. This is found by taking a blood sample. Diagnosis of AS is a process of eliminating other conditions that are similar in appearance. AS is also called 'the great imitator' as the condition may resemble many conditions including cancer and multiple sclerosis. A patient may be diagnosed by taking x rays and a simple blood test. AS can also attack internal organs around the spinal region of the body and can cause secondary conditions such as hammer toe and iritis. Over time, the spine or other joints may fuse together causing what is known as 'poker spine' and the person will not be able to bend over at all. The condition can become debilitating but not often fatal. The disorder can cause other autoimmune and chronic disorders that may lead to fatalities due to kidney disease or swollen heart. Some patients have been known to die from medications used to treat the illness. The presence of hlaB27 does not mean the person will develop AS but the gene is found in over 97% of sufferers with AS. People with AS should keep x rays to a minimum as this has been shown to be contradictory in some people and may cause leukemia.
