HLA B-27 by PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About HLA B-27 by PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HLA-B27 PCR, Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 by PCR, HLA B-27 DNA Typing |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All genders, all age groups |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,700 |
What is an HLA B-27 by PCR Test?
The HLA B-27 by PCR test detects a specific genetic marker called Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 in a sample of your blood. Doctors order this test when a patient has symptoms that suggest an autoimmune or inflammatory joint condition. It is also known as HLA-B27 PCR or HLA B-27 DNA Typing. A small blood sample is collected and analysed using Real Time PCR, a method that identifies the HLA-B27 gene directly from your DNA.
What Does an HLA B-27 by PCR Test Measure?
The test looks for one specific genetic marker in your blood. Here is what it analyses:
| Component | What it Detects |
|---|---|
| HLA-B27 Presence | Whether the Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 gene is present or absent in your DNA |
The HLA-B27 protein sits on the surface of white blood cells. Its gene is located on chromosome 6 as part of a group of genes that regulate immune responses. People who carry this gene have a higher statistical chance of developing certain autoimmune conditions, particularly those affecting the joints and eyes.
The HLA-B27 PCR test uses Real-Time PCR with a TaqMan probe. This method analyses DNA directly, making it more sensitive and accurate than older detection methods such as flow cytometry.
Why is an HLA B-27 by PCR Test Done?
Doctors recommend this test when a patient presents with symptoms that could point to an inflammatory joint or autoimmune condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may request this test:
- Persistent lower back pain that improves with exercise but does not ease with rest
- Swollen or painful joints, particularly in the hips, knees, or ankles
- Stiffness in the spine or joints, especially in the morning
- Recurring eye inflammation, causing redness, pain, or light sensitivity (known as uveitis)
- Chronic joint pain that has no clear cause
- Tenderness in tendons or where tendons attach to bone
- Joint pain following a recent gastrointestinal or urinary tract infection
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
Your doctor may use the HLA B-27 by PCR test to support the diagnosis of the following conditions:
- Ankylosing spondylitis, a long-term inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints
- Reactive arthritis, where joint inflammation is triggered by an infection elsewhere in the body
- Psoriatic arthritis, which occurs in people who also have the skin condition psoriasis
- Enteropathic arthritis, linked to inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Acute anterior uveitis, a recurring inflammation of the front of the eye
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in younger patients
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. No special steps are needed beforehand.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw. There are no dietary restrictions linked to this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help your visit go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Drink enough water before the appointment, as staying hydrated makes the blood draw easier
- Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily to allow access to your arm
- If you have an active infection or feel unwell on the day, consider rescheduling to get the most accurate results
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist ties a soft band (tourniquet) around your upper arm to make the veins easier to locate.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A sterile needle is used to draw approximately 2 ml of blood from a vein in your arm.
- The blood is collected into a lavender-top EDTA tube, which keeps the sample in the right condition for DNA analysis.
- The needle is removed, and a small cotton swab is placed over the site. The whole process takes only a minute or two.
- The sample is refrigerated and sent to the laboratory, where DNA is extracted, and the HLA-B27 gene is tested using Real Time PCR.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may affect the reliability of your result:
- Improper sample handling or storage before it reaches the laboratory
- Using an incorrect collection tube
- Active infection at the time of testing
- Certain medications, which should always be disclosed to your doctor before the test
Understanding Your HLA B-27 by PCR Test Results
Your result will be reported as either positive (detected) or negative (not detected). Always review your result with your doctor, who will interpret it alongside your symptoms, clinical history, and other investigations.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| HLA-B27 | Negative (Not Detected) | Gene absent; lower likelihood of associated conditions |
| HLA-B27 | Positive (Detected) | Gene present; higher statistical risk of associated autoimmune conditions |
A positive result does not confirm a disease. Around 90% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis carry this gene, and it is present in approximately 79% of those with reactive arthritis. However, most people who carry HLA-B27 never develop any of these conditions.
A negative result makes certain conditions less likely, but does not completely rule them out. Some people develop HLA-B27-related conditions without carrying the gene.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since HLA-B27 is a genetic trait, the result itself cannot be changed. However, these general wellness habits support joint and immune health:
- Keep up regular physical activity and stretching routines to maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness
- Manage stress through relaxation practices, as stress may trigger inflammatory flares in people prone to these conditions
- If your result is positive and you have symptoms, seek a timely specialist consultation, as early assessment can help guide appropriate care
Lupin Diagnostics HLA B-27 by PCR Test Price and Home Collection
The HLA B-27 by PCR test at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,700, and home collection is available in select cities across India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2700 |
| CHENNAI | 2700 |
| HYDERABAD | 2700 |
| KOLKATA | 2700 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2700 |
| PUNE | 2700 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the HLA B-27 by PCR test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Home collection for the HLA B-27 by PCR test is available across multiple cities. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is shared directly with you once it is ready, with no need to visit the lab to collect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HLA B-27 by PCR test detects the gene directly from your DNA and is considered more accurate and sensitive. Flow cytometry detects the HLA-B27 protein on white blood cell surfaces and may occasionally produce inconclusive results that require PCR confirmation.
No. A positive result means the gene is present, which raises the statistical likelihood of certain conditions. However, the majority of people who carry HLA-B27 never develop any associated disease. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and other test findings before reaching any conclusion.
Yes. A negative result makes ankylosing spondylitis less likely, but it does not fully rule it out. Some people develop this condition without carrying the HLA-B27 gene. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and imaging results alongside this test.
Yes. You can complete your HLA B-27 by PCR test online booking through the Lupin Diagnostics website and schedule a home visit at a time that suits you. A trained phlebotomist will collect the sample from your home.
No. HLA-B27 is a genetic marker that does not change throughout your life. Once your status is confirmed, the test does not normally need to be repeated. Your doctor may order other tests to monitor inflammation if you have an associated condition.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 2 days of sample collection. Delivery may vary slightly depending on your location and the day the sample is received at the laboratory.
Yes. Clinical history is required for this test. Bring details of your current symptoms, how long they have lasted, any previous test results, and any relevant family history. This information helps the laboratory and your doctor interpret the result accurately.
HLA B-27 by PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
