The HLA-B27 test is a blood test that is often used to diagnose autoimmune disorders. The test shows whether your white blood cells contain antigens of HLA-B27. Although a confident test does not always mean you've a certain autoimmune disorder, it is an important part of the diagnosis process. Other blood tests and clinical examinations are usually required before a diagnosis can be made.
The hla hla b27 is analogous to a standard blood draw in its procedure. It is performed with a very thin needle, and the process is carried out by qualified medical personnel. There are no specific preparation steps that must be taken in order to take the test; however, if you should be presently taking any medications, you must speak together with your physician about the possibility of undesireable effects ahead of taking the test. The test may make you feel a little lightheaded or offer you some minor discomfort at the injection site, but it's not harmful in many cases.
There is a gene marker called HLA-B27 that may be detected in three to eight percent of the general population. On another hand, more than ninety percent of patients identified as having ankylosing spondylitis have this condition. It can also be present in between fifty percent and eighty percent of persons who have other types of SpA. Even although the HLA-B27 test features a low sensitivity, it nevertheless gets the potential to be helpful in diagnosing individuals with spondylitis who don't exhibit any noticeable symptoms. In addition, the test only needs to be carried out once, rendering it an efficient utilization of resources as a diagnostic indicator.
Positive or negative findings on the HLA-B27 test are both possible outcomes. Results which can be positive may suggest a greater risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as for instance reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Typically, the diagnostic test is requested when the patient expresses concern regarding ongoing joint discomfort and stiffness. Interpretation of the outcomes of the HLA-B27 test should be performed in conjunction with the findings of some other diagnostic procedures that may have been performed.
The blood sample that is taken for the HLA-B27 test is analysed to find out if white blood cells have the HLA-B27 protein. A diagnosis of autoimmune illness can be made on the basis of the finding of this protein on white blood cells. When HLA-B27 is located on white blood cells, it shows that the defense mechanisms will begin to target healthy tissues and cells for destruction. Along with this, the test is ideal for tracking how the problem is progressing over time.
In the United Kingdom, HLA-B27 is found in the bodies of roughly 8 percent of the population. It's been linked to a number of autoimmune conditions, such as for example ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Reiter syndrome, and isolated acute anterior uveitis, among others. Inflammatory bowel disease and psoriatic arthritis are two further conditions which have been linked to the protein.
It is well-established that infection with enterobacteria and exposure to environmental antigens both contribute to an elevated risk of HLA-B27-linked illnesses. Infection plays a role in the development of reactive arthritides, as proven by research conducted on animal models. Arthritis and a multi-systemic inflammatory disease are the outward symptoms that manifest themselves after infection with HLA-B27 transgenic rats.