HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

The HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test checks for a specific genetic marker called HLA B27 in your blood. This marker is associated with several autoimmune diseases, particularly inflammatory conditions affecting the joints and spine. The test helps doctors diagnose diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and certain types of uveitis (eye inflammation) that are linked to the presence of HLA B27.

Doctors use the HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test when patients have symptoms suggestive of these autoimmune diseases, such as chronic back pain, stiffness, joint swelling, and eye inflammation. By identifying the presence of HLA B27, doctors can confirm or rule out these conditions, which is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment plans and managing symptoms effectively. This test plays a key role in early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of autoimmune diseases associated with HLA B27, helping to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Who should get this test?

An HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test can benefit individuals who need to investigate certain autoimmune diseases associated with this genetic marker. Here are the groups of people who would benefit from this test:

• People with chronic back pain: Helps diagnose conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, which is linked to HLA B27.
• People with joint pain and stiffness: Assists in diagnosing inflammatory arthritis conditions such as reactive arthritis.
• People with eye inflammation (uveitis): Helps determine if HLA B27 is associated with the inflammation.
• People with a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or related diseases: Screening for genetic predisposition.
• People with symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disorders: Assists in confirming or ruling out conditions linked to HLA B27.

These individuals can benefit from an HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test to identify genetic markers associated with autoimmune diseases, guiding appropriate medical treatment and management plans.

When should I order this test?

An individual should consider ordering an HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test when they experience symptoms that may suggest autoimmune diseases associated with this genetic marker. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Chronic back pain
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Enthesitis
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

If you have these symptoms, discussing them with your doctor can help determine if an HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test is necessary to assess genetic markers associated with autoimmune diseases and guide appropriate medical management.