Synonyms

Clinical Indications

For use in association between HLA B27 and disease eg ankylosing spondylitis.

Request Form

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)

Availability

Analysed by referral laboratory (NBS Colindale)

Specific Criteria

None

Turnaround Time

Usually within 10 –14 days.

Specimen

Whole Blood

Volume

7mL

Container

Purple top (EDTA) tube.

Collection

Samples should be transported to laboratory immediately.

Lab. Handling

Samples should be sent to Reference Laboratory as soon as possible.

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample. Not meeting specific criteria for analysis. Delay in sample reaching laboratory. Underfilled, clotted or haemolysed samples. 

Interpretation

The presence of  HLA B27 has been shown to be associated with the condition ankylosing spondylitis. Testing for the HLA B27 antigen is a good diagnostic aid in determining the connection between a positive test result and a persistent back pain.