AN OVERVIEW
HLA B27 Test In Chandigarh
Why is the HLA B27 Test done?
HLA B27 or the Human leukocyte antigen B27 are proteins that are found present on the white blood cells surface. The main function of these proteins is to identify healthy cells apart from potentially harmful foreign particles or pathogens. The presence indicates that the HLA B27 antigen is helping fight disease but sometimes, this antigen can attack the healthy cells and this is due to the information the genes send to the proteina condition known as an autoimmune disorder.
Some of the common disorders that are associated with the HLA B27 antigen are:
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis affecting the spine
- Juvenile arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Anterior uveitis
- Sacroiliitis
Doctors often request patients to go for a HLA b27 test near me when they want to either confirm the onset of an autoimmune disorder or monitor for the progress of already existing conditions.
What does the HLA B27 Test measure?
The process used to check for the HLA B27 antigen is known as Flow cytometry. Flow cytometry is a technique that provides rapid analysis of the presence of a higher number of cells at a single-cell level. The principle used in flow cytometry is that when a laser hits the cells, light scattering and fluorescence emission occurs.
This method is used when a patient shows signs of arthritis. These symptoms include:
- Inflammation of joints
- Stiffness in the neck and spinal region
- Eye inflammation that keeps recurring
- Skin lesions
- Joint or urethra
- inflammation
Sometimes, this test is prescribed by doctors to patients who are about to undergo a bone marrow transplant or a kidney transplant. This is to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organ.
Potential risks/side effects associated with the HLA B27 Test
The flow cytometry technique requires blood samples from the patient. The process of collecting blood is called venipuncture (when drawn from the veins) and this technique is safe and can be painless. An experienced phlebotomist does know how to quickly and effectively draw blood from the veins.
Blood collection poses no threats to health but some people might suffer from weakness or itching around the area from where the blood was drawn. These side effects usually go away on their own.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
What pathogens affect the HLA B27 levels?
Currently, there are no known tests that can confirm if autoimmune disorders are solely genetic or can be caused by pathogens. But, people previously infected by Salmonella can, later on, develop reactive arthritis.
What other diseases are associated with this antigen?
Apart from the ones listed above, the HLA B27 can indicate that the person might be suffering from Behet’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriatic arthritis.
Is HLA B27 a routine test?
Unless the person has a history of family members suffering from an autoimmune disorder, the HLA B27 is not always recommended to be part of a routine health check-up package.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the HLA B27 Test results
The HLA b27 test can yield three results. If the result is negative, it means that the blood does not contain any HLA B27 protein. A positive result means that the person might be suffering from an autoimmune disorder. The third result is kind of a grey zone where the channels are seen with regard to the light scattering within the 10 channels cutoff.
A negative result does not always mean the person is definitely not suffering from any autoimmune disorders. The final prognosis is given only after additional tests are consulted. These tests include:
- C-reactive protein
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Rheumatoid factor
- X-rays
A positive result can be concerning but not always does a positive result means that the person will suffer from an autoimmune disorder.
HLA B27 Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 600*
The HLA B27 test, also known as the Human lymphocyte antigen B27 test, is conducted to look for the presence of the antigen on the surface of the white blood cells. The presence of these antigens in large numbers indicate that the person is suffering from disorders like autoimmune disorder or genetic disorders. The HLA b27 test in Chandigarh is often prescribed as part of other tests when a patient shows symptoms akin to those seen in inflammatory diseases.
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