What is the HLA-B27 Test? Full Guide to Uses, Results, and Cost

The HLA-B27 test is the technique or tool used to detect the presence of HLA-B27 antigen in white blood cells. This antigen is a protein which is commonly found on the surface of white blood cells and plays a crucial role in developing the immune system. 

With the help of the HLA-B27 test doctors will be able to detect the autoimmune disorders that mainly affect the joints and spine.

Many autoimmune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, are associated with HLA-B27. However, the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen does not necessarily mean a person has an autoimmune condition.

Instead, it may be a marker for an increased risk of developing such conditions. This guide provides a detailed overview of the HLA-B27 test, including its types, procedures, results, and costs.

As HLA-B27 can be used to detect the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen on the surface of white blood cells the antigen can be considered as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, playing a crucial role and helps in regulating the immune system. 

The HLA-B27 is responsible for certain disease of autoimmune and generally exists in smaller populations. Also, positive HLA-B27 does not always determine whether the patient will have a disease or a negative test. The results are analysed in combination with clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests, particularly those affecting the joints, spine, and eyes.

The HLA-B27 test is primarily used to help diagnose and manage conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis. With the help of this guide we will be able to detect the importance of HLA-B27 and why is it necessary to interpret the disease while determining the cost and other treatment options for the autoimmune disorder. Knowing the early symptoms of the disease can ensure taking preventive measures and treatment.

HLA-B27 is a short form of Human Leukocyte Antigen B27. The HLA-B27 is a type of protein which is commonly found on the surface of white blood cells and helps to boost the immune system.

 This protein helps in determining the difference between foreign and own cells of the body which helps in detecting disease or any foreign virus in the body.

Generally, the presence of HLA-B27 in individuals can determine an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. 

This can be used to detect the antigen in the white blood cells. It is detected in the laboratory using various tools and detects any autoimmune disease which can affect the spine, joints, and eyes. Conditions associated with HLA-B27 include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Reactive arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

• Uveitis (eye inflammation)

Two main types of HLA-B27 tests serve the main purpose of determining the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen on the surface of white blood cells. 

With the help of these tests, doctors can analyse the disorders like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

It is a blood test which is used to detect the HLA-B27 antigen. It is done through the blood taken in the laboratory and analysed in the laboratory.

• A professional will draw blood from your veins on your arm.

• Then the blood sample drawn will be sent to the laboratory for further tests and checkups which determine the presence of HLA-B27 on white blood cells.

• The final results are available within a few days.

The HLA-B27 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is considered one advanced method which can be used to detect the antigen on the white blood cells at a genetic level. 

The test involves checking whether there is a presence of specific genes that can cause HLA-B27 which carry accurate results than a simple blood test.

• Similarly, a blood sample will be drawn from the patient.

• Then the DNA extracted from the blood will be amplified using the latest PCR technology.

• This helps in identifying the presence of the HLA-B27 gene which determines its specific subtype.

The HLA-B27 is a test which can be done to ensure the presence of the antigen on the white blood cells. 

The presence of antigen on the white blood cell ensures that the individual may suffer from autoimmune diseases. This test helps doctors to know the symptoms and start early preventative care if any patient can be seen having HLA-B27 conditions.

There are various common conditions linked to HLA-B27 that can be predicted with the test the conditions include;

• Ankylosing spondylitis: This is known as a chronic condition which raises the pain in the spine and sacroiliac joints.

• Reactive arthritis: This is another type of arthritis which is triggered with the help of infections.

• Psoriatic arthritis: Arthritis which occurs in people having psoriasis.

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: This is a condition which affects children having autoimmune disease. 

• Uveitis: Vision problems due to the Inflammation of the eye.

• If a patient is detected a positive HLA-B27 test usually indicates that the individual is on the brink of having autoimmune conditions.

• It usually does not confirm the autoimmune disorder until the individual has symptoms.

• having a negative test can suggest that the patient will have a lower chance of having an HLA-B27-associated condition.

• It is not guaranteed that the person will have an autoimmune disorder.

• If the test is in between normal ranges then it is considered that there is no presence of antigen.

• Meanwhile, the positive result may suggest the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen, with a negative result which symbolically knows its absence.

• It is not important to observe fasting before opting for the test until specific by the doctor.

• Tell your doctor if you are on medication as it can determine your HLA-B27 range.

• It is advised to stay hydrated so that the blood can be drawn out easily.

• A professional will clean the area of your vein from where the blood will be drawn with antiseptic.

• A needle is inserted into a vein which will draw blood.

• The drawn blood from the vein will later be submitted for further laboratory analysis.

• The entire process takes only a few minutes.

• Later the blood sample will be analysed to check the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen on the white blood cells.

• The professional commonly used two types of methods to obtain results.

HLA-B27 Blood Test –  It can be used to determine the antigen through the blood flow.

 HLA-B27 PCR Test – This test uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which can be used to detect the HLA-B27 gene with higher accuracy.

• Usually, results are available within a few days of the process which ensures fast treatment of the individual.

• The report will help in the identification of whether the HLA-B27 is present (positive) or absent (negative).

• A doctor will interpret the results in combination with symptoms and other diagnostic tests.

Usually, the cost of the HLA-B27 test can be determined with various factors available that can help an individual get tested.

as there are different types of tests, the location of the laboratory, and whether health insurance covers it these are some of the factors that ensure the cost of the HLA-B27.

As we know there are mainly two types of tests available 

HLA-B27 Blood Test – As it is a blood test it is cheaper.

HLA-B27 PCR Test – it is more expensive as it uses the technique of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify the HLA-B27 gene with higher accuracy.

It plays an important role in determining the cost of the test based on the location of the laboratory as if it is the private hospitals it may charge higher than the government hospitals.

In some insurance, the test of HLA-B27 is covered if prescribed by a doctor and the patients have a medically necessary condition, insurance may cover part or all of the cost which endured all the cost of the test.

A basic calculation of the HLA-B27 test cost can typically range from:

• In the United States the test cost around $50 - $200.

• In Asia or India, the cost of the test is around ₹1000 - ₹5000 in India.

• Similarly, the cost of the HLA-B27 test is around £40 - £150 in the UK.

If a person is detected with a positive HLA-B27 it usually means that there is a presence of antigen on the blood cells but it does not necessarily indicate that the person is having an autoimmune disorder. The positive result can also be associated with the increased risk of having a disease which involves the joints, spine, and eyes. 

There are various treatment options involved if any individual is detected as the HLA-B27 positive. The positive test does not usually indicate an autoimmune disorder but can indicate the risk of having diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and uveitis. 

Thus treatment which focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and improving quality of life with the use of medications like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to prevent the disease.

The HLA-B27 is advised by doctors if there is an emergency or the doctor suspects an autoimmune or inflammatory condition,  the symptoms usually include chronic joint pain, lower back stiffness, or recurring eye inflammation. If the person is having persistent back pain and other early morning stiffness then it is advised to consult a doctor and observe proper medical care. Patients having arthritis should also be concerned and get early checkups and monitor their HLA-B27 levels.

With this guide, we know that the HLA-B27 is a protein which is found in the white blood cells and it is important to identify the antigen presence before any further casualties occur.

The positive of the HLA-B27 test does not always mean that the person has having autoimmune disease, it also means that ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. 

Thus it is important to take the required precautions and develop a strong immune system to avoid the antigen. With the help of clinical symptoms, imaging tests, and other laboratory findings doctors can determine that the person will be having an autoimmune disorder.

It is advised to individuals having HLA-B27 positive to monitor symptoms closely which can be used to seek medical advice if you experience chronic joint pain, stiffness, or eye inflammation. 

The cost of the test usually depends on various factors like location and the type of medical insurance an individual has. Thus it is advised to look out for professional doctors if you are concerned about having an HLA-B27 positive. Detecting the disease early will help to take preventive measures and ensure proper medical investigation.

**Medical Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).