Question 1

What is Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome is a severe, potentially life-threatening immune reaction to certain medications that affects multiple organ systems. It is caused by specific genetic variations in HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genes, particularly HLA-B*5701, which trigger immune responses to medications like abacavir and carbamazepine. The HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQ High Resolution test is the most important test for identifying individuals at risk before medication exposure.

Question 2

What causes Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome is caused by specific genetic variations in your HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genes that make your immune system overreact to certain medications. The HLA-B*5701 variant is particularly important because it causes severe reactions to medications like abacavir (used for HIV treatment), carbamazepine (for seizures), and allopurinol (for gout). When someone with these genetic markers takes triggering medications, their immune system mistakenly identifies the drug as dangerous and launches an aggressive attack that affects the skin, liver, kidneys, and other organs. This reaction typically develops within 2-6 weeks of starting the medication and can be life-threatening if not caught early.

Question 3

What is the best test for Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQ High Resolution test is the most important test for Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome because it identifies the specific genetic markers that predict severe reactions before you ever take a risky medication. This comprehensive genetic screening detects HLA-B*5701 and other high-risk variants that are strongly associated with hypersensitivity to medications including abacavir, carbamazepine, allopurinol, and certain antibiotics. The test requires a simple blood sample and provides permanent results since your genetics never change. If you test positive for HLA-B*5701 or other risk variants, your doctor can prescribe safer alternative medications, preventing potentially fatal reactions. This is especially crucial for people starting HIV treatment, anti-seizure medications, or gout medications where hypersensitivity reactions are most common and severe.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested before starting any medication known to cause hypersensitivity reactions, particularly if you are beginning HIV treatment with abacavir, anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine, or gout medications like allopurinol. Testing is especially important if you have a personal or family history of severe drug reactions, unexplained rashes after starting medications, or belong to ethnic groups with higher rates of HLA-B*5701 (certain Asian, African, and Hispanic populations). If you have previously experienced fever, rash, or organ problems within weeks of starting a new medication, genetic testing can identify whether you are at risk for future reactions. Since the test results are permanent and your genetics never change, getting tested once provides lifelong guidance for safe medication choices.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome typically starts 2-6 weeks after beginning a triggering medication with fever, widespread rash, and extreme fatigue. You might notice a red, bumpy rash that spreads across your body, facial swelling, blistering skin, or peeling that looks like a severe sunburn. Other symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes (indicating liver involvement), dark urine, decreased urination (kidney problems), swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Many people also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, and confusion. The syndrome is dangerous because it affects multiple organs simultaneously, and symptoms can rapidly progress from mild to severe within days.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

People with specific HLA genetic variants are at highest risk, particularly those carrying HLA-B*5701, HLA-B*1502, or HLA-B*5801. Certain ethnic groups have higher rates of these variants, including people of Han Chinese, Thai, Korean, Indian, and African descent. Your risk is also higher if you have a family history of severe drug reactions, autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV infection (since abacavir is commonly prescribed). Women are slightly more susceptible than men, and reactions are more common in adults than children. If you are starting medications for HIV, epilepsy, gout, or certain bacterial infections, you have increased exposure to drugs that commonly trigger hypersensitivity syndrome.

Question 7

What happens if Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome can rapidly progress to life-threatening organ failure within days. Your liver can become severely damaged, leading to hepatitis or complete liver failure requiring transplantation. Kidney failure may develop, causing toxins to build up in your blood and potentially requiring dialysis. The skin damage can progress to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, where large areas of skin blister and peel off, similar to severe burns, leading to dangerous infections and fluid loss. Your heart, lungs, and blood cells can also be affected, causing heart inflammation, pneumonia, or severe anemia. Even if you survive the acute reaction, permanent organ damage may result. The mortality rate for severe untreated cases can reach 10-40%, making immediate medical attention essential when symptoms appear.

Question 8

Can Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome risk can be identified through HLA genetic blood testing before you ever take a triggering medication. The HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQ High Resolution test detects genetic markers like HLA-B*5701 that predict severe reactions to specific drugs. Once symptoms have developed, additional blood tests help confirm the diagnosis and assess organ damage, including liver function tests (ALT, AST), kidney function tests (creatinine, BUN), complete blood count to check for abnormal white blood cells, and tests for inflammation markers. However, the genetic test is unique because it provides predictive information before any medication exposure, allowing you to avoid dangerous drugs entirely. Unlike other blood tests that diagnose disease after it occurs, pharmacogenetic testing prevents the problem from happening in the first place.

Question 9

How is Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment requires immediately stopping the triggering medication and providing supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent organ damage. Your doctor will prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone to suppress the overactive immune response and reduce inflammation in affected organs. Antihistamines help control itching and rash, while intravenous fluids support kidney function and prevent dehydration. If your skin is severely affected, you may need specialized wound care similar to burn treatment, including topical medications and sterile dressings. Severe cases require hospitalization in intensive care or burn units for monitoring and aggressive treatment of organ complications. Pain medications, fever reducers, and medications to protect the liver and kidneys may be necessary. Recovery can take weeks to months, and you must permanently avoid the triggering medication and often related drugs in the same class.

Question 10

How can I prevent Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The most effective prevention is HLA genetic testing before starting high-risk medications to identify whether you carry variants like HLA-B*5701 that predict severe reactions. Always inform healthcare providers about any previous drug reactions, even mild ones, and provide a complete list of medications that caused problems. When starting a new medication known to cause hypersensitivity, begin with the lowest effective dose and monitor closely for early warning signs like fever, rash, or fatigue during the first six weeks. Keep a detailed medication diary noting any new symptoms, and never restart a medication that previously caused a reaction without genetic testing and medical supervision. If you test positive for high-risk HLA variants, wear a medical alert bracelet listing medications you must avoid, and ensure this information is documented in all your medical records and pharmacy profiles.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

If you suspect Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome, immediately stop the suspected medication and seek emergency medical care, as this is not a condition that can be safely managed at home. While waiting for medical attention, take photos of any rash to document its progression, monitor your temperature, and note any new symptoms. Keep yourself hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks, and avoid taking any additional medications including over-the-counter drugs or supplements without medical guidance. Apply cool, damp cloths to affected skin for comfort, but do not apply creams or ointments. After the acute reaction is treated and you are recovering at home, follow your doctor's instructions for tapering corticosteroids, keep all follow-up appointments to monitor liver and kidney function, and protect healing skin from sun exposure. Maintain a detailed record of the triggering medication and share this information with all healthcare providers to prevent future exposure.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.
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                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!
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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
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            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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome Blood Test

What is Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

What causes Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

What is the best test for Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome?

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