HLA-B15(B*15) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About HLA-B15(B*15) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HLA-B15 test, HLA B15 antigen test, HLA-B15:02 screening, HLA B15 genotyping, HLA-B*15 test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and age groups, particularly recommended for patients of Asian ancestry before starting carbamazepine or related medications. |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,800 |
What Is an HLA-B15 Test?
The HLA-B15 test identifies the presence of a specific genetic marker in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which is a group of proteins that help the immune system tell the body's own cells apart from foreign ones. The test is also referred to as the HLA-B*15 test, HLA B15 antigen test, or HLA-B 15:02 screening. Doctors typically order this test before prescribing certain antiepileptic medications or as part of a transplant compatibility assessment. A small blood sample drawn from a vein is all that is needed.
What Does an HLA-B15 Test Measure?
The test analyses your DNA to check for the presence or absence of a specific gene variant. Here is what it looks at:
| Component | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| HLA-B15 antigen marker | Whether an HLA-B15 variant is present in your DNA. |
| HLA-B*15:02 allele | Whether this specific subtype associated with severe drug reactions is present. |
The HLA system plays a key role in immune function. The HLA-B*15:02 variant, in particular, is associated with a higher risk of serious skin reactions to certain medications in people of Asian origin, including Indians.
Why Is an HLA-B15 Test Done?
The HLA-B15 test is ordered for several clinical reasons, ranging from medication safety screening to transplant planning.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient reports the following before or after starting certain medications:
- Skin rash or blistering skin
- Fever of unexplained origin
- Painful mouth sores
- Difficulty swallowing
- Redness or irritation in the eyes
- Fatigue without a clear cause
- Peeling or raw-looking skin
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The HLA-B15 test is used in the following clinical situations:
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a severe skin and mucous membrane reaction
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), a life-altering blistering condition linked to certain medicines
- Drug hypersensitivity reactions, particularly to carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine
- Transplant incompatibility between donor and recipient
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The steps below will help you understand what to bring and what to expect on the day of your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help your appointment go smoothly:
- Inform your doctor about any recent transfusions, transplants, or medical treatments.
- Tell your doctor about all current medicines, especially anti-epileptic drugs.
- Wear a loose, short-sleeved top so the phlebotomist can access your arm easily.
- Stay well hydrated, as this makes veins easier to locate.
- Bring any relevant medical records or your doctor's referral note to the collection appointment.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist ties a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the vein more visible, then cleans the skin with an antiseptic.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein, and a blood sample is collected into a lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
- The tourniquet and needle are removed, and a small bandage is applied to the puncture site.
- The blood sample is stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and sent to the laboratory refrigerated. The sample must not be frozen.
- In the laboratory, DNA is extracted from the white blood cells in your sample.
- The DNA is analysed using the Reverse SSOP (Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide Probe) method to determine whether the HLA-B*15 variant is present.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
A few factors can influence the reliability of your result:
- Recent blood transfusions (donor DNA may interfere with the analysis)
- Poor sample quality due to incorrect storage or delayed dispatch
- Insufficient sample volume collected at the time of draw
Understanding Your HLA-B15 Test Results
Results for the HLA-B15 test are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive (detected) or negative (not detected). Your doctor will review your result alongside your medical history and clinical context before making any decisions.
| Parameter | Normal Result | What a Positive Result May Suggest |
|---|---|---|
| HLA-B15 antigen | Negative (not detected) | Presence of the HLA-B15 variant |
| HLA-B*15:02 allele | Negative (not detected) | Increased risk of severe reactions to carbamazepine in people of Asian ancestry |
A negative result indicates that the HLA-B*15:02 allele was not detected. Individuals who test negative generally have a low risk of developing carbamazepine-induced SJS or TEN, although the risk is not completely eliminated.
A positive result indicates the presence of the HLA-B*15:02 allele. This does not mean that a severe reaction will definitely occur. Many carriers never experience serious side effects. However, because the allele is strongly associated with an increased risk of SJS and TEN, doctors typically consider alternative medications or take additional precautions before prescribing carbamazepine.
Disclaimer: The interpretation of genetic test results should always be performed by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and treatment plan.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a genetic test, the result itself does not change. However, the following steps are useful once you have your result:
- If you test positive, keep a record of your HLA-B15 status and share it with all healthcare providers before any new medicines are prescribed.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor, who can guide safe treatment choices based on your genetic profile.
- Maintain a written list of medicines that may be unsuitable for you, based on your doctor's advice, and carry it with you.
Lupin Diagnostics HLA-B15 Test Price
The HLA-B15 test is priced starting at ₹4,800 at Lupin Diagnostics. Home collection is available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4800 |
| CHENNAI | 4800 |
| HYDERABAD | 4800 |
| KOLKATA | 4800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4800 |
| PUNE | 4800 |
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-B15 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the HLA-B15 test online booking across cities, making it easy to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is shared securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HLA-B15 test is primarily used as a pre-treatment safety screen before prescribing medications such as carbamazepine. It is also used to assess compatibility between donors and recipients for organ or bone marrow transplants. In some cases, it may support investigations into autoimmune conditions.
The HLA-B*15:02 variant is found more frequently in people of South and Southeast Asian ancestry, with an average prevalence of 2 to 4% in Indians and higher in some subgroups. Because carriers of this variant face a greater risk of severe skin reactions to carbamazepine, screening before prescribing is considered a precautionary step.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious reaction that affects the skin and mucous membranes, often triggered by a medication. It can cause blistering, painful skin peeling, and sores in the mouth and eyes. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe form of the same condition. Both require immediate medical attention.
Not necessarily. Most people who carry the HLA-B*15:02 allele do not develop SJS or TEN. However, a positive result does indicate a higher risk, and your doctor will decide whether the benefits of using carbamazepine outweigh that risk or whether an alternative medication is more appropriate.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the HLA-B15 test report is delivered within 4 days. The test involves detailed genetic analysis using the reverse SSOP method, which accounts for the longer turnaround compared to routine blood tests.
The HLA-B*15:02 allele is an inherited genetic marker that remains constant throughout your life. Once you have a result, it does not change, so there is no need to repeat the test for the same purpose.
No special documents are mandatory, but it is helpful to bring any previous medical records, a list of your current medications, and your doctor's prescription or referral note. This helps the laboratory and your doctor put the result in the right context.
HLA-B15(B*15) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
