What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're about to start taking carbamazepine (also known as Tegretol), a medicine used for epilepsy, nerve pain, or bipolar disorder. It checks whether you carry a gene variant called HLA-B*15:02 that raises your chance of having a severe, potentially life-threatening skin reaction to this drug. It's especially important if you have Asian ancestry, since this gene variant is much more common in that population.

What happens after I get my results?

Your result will show up in your online account as either positive or negative for the HLA-B*15:02 gene variant, with a plain-language explanation of what that means. If your result is positive, the next step is to avoid starting carbamazepine and to bring this information up before starting any related medications. If negative, your risk of this specific reaction is considered low, though general medication safety still applies. You can download a standard lab report from your account anytime, and since this gene doesn't change over time, retesting isn't necessary.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You may want this test if you or someone prescribing you carbamazepine is concerned about serious skin reactions like blistering, peeling skin, fever, or painful rashes that can occur early in treatment. These reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, can be severe and are a known risk with this drug. If you're of Asian descent and are about to begin carbamazepine treatment for the first time, testing beforehand is strongly recommended. If you already notice a spreading rash, blisters, or skin peeling after starting the drug, this is a medical emergency and you should seek care immediately.

What is HLA-B*15:02 and why does it matter?

HLA-B*15:02 is a variation in a gene that helps your immune system recognize threats. In people who carry this variant, the drug carbamazepine can trigger the immune system to attack the skin, leading to severe reactions. This gene variant is inherited and doesn't change over your lifetime, so testing once gives you a permanent answer. Knowing your status ahead of time lets you avoid a dangerous reaction before it happens rather than treating it after the fact.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification once your results are posted to your secure online account. This turnaround gives enough time for a specialized genetic lab process, so it's a good idea to test before you need to start any new medication.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who is being considered for carbamazepine treatment, particularly for epilepsy, nerve pain (trigeminal neuralgia), or bipolar disorder, should consider this test first. It's most strongly recommended for people of Asian ancestry, where the gene variant is found in up to 10% of the population, compared to under 1% in African Americans and less than 0.1% in Caucasians. Even outside these groups, anyone wanting extra reassurance before starting the medication can benefit from testing.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means you carry the HLA-B*15:02 gene variant and have a significantly higher chance of a severe skin reaction if you take carbamazepine. This doesn't mean a reaction will definitely happen, but the risk is high enough that this medication is generally avoided in people who test positive. It's worth discussing alternative treatment options if you're positive and need therapy for epilepsy, nerve pain, or bipolar disorder.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means you don't carry the HLA-B*15:02 variant, so your risk of this specific carbamazepine-triggered skin reaction is low. This is reassuring if carbamazepine is being considered as a treatment option for you. Keep in mind that a negative result only applies to this gene and this drug reaction — general awareness of medication side effects still matters.

How often should I retest?

You only need to take this test once in your lifetime. HLA-B*15:02 is a genetic marker you're born with, and it doesn't change over time due to age, health, or lifestyle. Once you have your result on file, it remains valid for any future decisions involving carbamazepine.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive for HLA-B*15:02, avoid starting carbamazepine and share this test result whenever this medication comes up as a treatment option. Keep a copy of your downloadable lab report handy, such as in a personal health file, so it's easy to reference in the future. If you've already started carbamazepine and notice any rash, blistering, or skin peeling, stop the medication and seek emergency medical care right away, since these reactions can worsen quickly.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HLA-B*15:02 Test - Carbamazepine Reaction Risk Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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