Blood Test Home collection in Thane (Mumbai)
Meaning of HLA B27
HLA-B27 proteins are identified using a blood test known as an HLA-B27 test. Although most HLAs protect your body from harm, HLA-B27 is a type of protein that weakens your immune system. In such a case, your immune system may attack your otherwise healthy white blood cells. Even though carrying the HLA-B27 protein does not always indicate that a person has an autoimmune disease, it does increase a person’s risk of developing several immune-mediated health conditions.
Diseases Related to HLA-B27
HLAs are proteins that help the body’s immune system differentiate between cells and external microbes. They are created by following the instructions provided by inherited genes. Your body produces a protein called human leukocyte antigen B27, which aids your immune system in recognizing foreign materials that are potentially harmful to the body.
Human leukocyte antigens seek to eliminate any cell that they identify as “foreign and unsafe” in order to protect your body from potential harm. Individuals who carry the HLA-B27 antigen, on the other hand, are more likely to develop diseases such as Autoimmune Hepatitis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA Factor) , Rrheumatoid Arthritis type II, Lupus Erythematosus, or Crohn’s disease. Geographic location influences the prevalence of the HLA-B27 allele in individuals, with northerners having a higher prevalence.
Symptoms Because of HLA-B27
Only when a patient has acute or chronic pain and inflammation in their chest, spine, neck, eyes, or joints, and their doctor suspects an autoimmune condition linked to the presence of HLA-B27, will an HLA-B27 test be recommended. Doctors frequently rely on clinical observations and the results of the HLA-B27 test when diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other HLA-B27-related illnesses because any unexpected changes may not be seen for several years.
This circumstance does not provide a diagnosis, but it does provide additional information that can increase or decrease the likelihood that the individual has ankylosing spondylitis.
Another common illness caused by HLA-B27 is arthritis. Inflammation of the vertebrae or spinal joints can cause chronic, ongoing pain and discomfort. Individuals may also suffer from ankylosis, a condition in which portions of the spine fuse, resulting in a permanent and immovable posture. HLA-B27 is also regarded as a marker of the genetic component of spondyloarthritides, with approximately 90% of AS patients carrying this antigen.
If Results of the HLA-B27 Test is Positive ?
The test procedure, your age, sexuality, health history, and other factors may all have an impact on the test results. Request that your healthcare provider interpret your test results for you. A negative test result indicates that an individual’s white blood cells lack HLA-B27. If you get a positive result, your blood contains HLA-B27. In that case, you may be predisposed to developing autoimmune diseases such as reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
However, keep in mind that a positive test does not always indicate that you have an autoimmune disease; it could also indicate arthritis, ankylosis, or other disorders. When considering seeking treatment for an autoimmune condition, take into account your symptoms, clinical examination, and other blood and urine tests.
The dangers of the HLA-B27 test?
Although no preparation is required for the HLA-B27 test, it is recommended that you inform the doctor ahead of time if you are taking any drugs or medications, have any underlying medical issues, or are allergic to anything. Make sure you follow the doctor’s specific instructions.
People who take the HLA-B27 test face few risks. Some people may feel pain when their blood is drawn. During the trial, you may experience pain at the puncture site, followed by minor discomfort or throbbing. The following risks are associated with all blood tests:
As a result of the difficulty in obtaining a sample, there were multiple needle stick marks.
Infection at the puncture site and profuse bleeding
Having dizziness or fainting spells
Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin) (blood collecting under the skin)
A HLA-B27 positive patient with HLA antibodies faces very little risk when donating blood. Such people, however, are not eligible to donate whole blood, which contains plasma or plasma blood products such as platelets.
Conclusion
The HLA-B27 test determines whether or not human leukocyte antigen is present. The HLA-B27 blood test can detect ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and, in rare cases, anterior uveitis. The HLA-B27 test, however, is not a conclusive tool for making a diagnosis or ruling out a condition. The test results, whether positive or negative, should not be interpreted as proof of whether you have an autoimmune condition or not. This test is only required for people who have symptoms. However, make sure that all medications, vitamins, and supplements you use are disclosed to your healthcare provider. This includes any OTC medications you may be taking.