Question 1

What is HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

HLA B27 Disease refers to a group of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders strongly associated with the HLA-B27 gene. These conditions include ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and other spondyloarthropathies that cause chronic inflammation in the spine and joints. The HLA B Low Resolution test is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies the presence of the HLA-B27 genetic marker.

Question 2

What causes HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

HLA B27 Disease is caused by the presence of the HLA-B27 gene, a genetic marker that significantly increases the risk of developing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. This gene affects how your immune system responds to certain infections and triggers, leading to chronic inflammation in the spine, joints, and other body systems. The HLA-B27 gene is inherited from parents, and while not everyone with this gene develops disease, it creates a strong predisposition to conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis.

Question 3

What is the best test for HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

The HLA B Low Resolution test is the most important test for HLA B27 Disease because it identifies the presence of the HLA-B27 genetic marker in your blood. This genetic test detects specific HLA-B alleles, including HLA-B27, which is strongly associated with spondyloarthropathies and inflammatory joint conditions. The test provides essential information for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and other HLA-B27-related disorders. When combined with clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP, the HLA B Low Resolution test helps healthcare providers confirm diagnosis and guide treatment decisions for these chronic inflammatory conditions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience chronic lower back pain that improves with exercise but not rest, especially if the pain started before age 40 and wakes you at night. Testing is also important if you have persistent joint pain and stiffness, unexplained inflammation in your eyes (uveitis), or a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or related conditions. You should consider testing if you develop arthritis after an infection, have psoriasis with joint symptoms, or experience inflammatory bowel disease with back or joint pain, as these are common presentations of HLA B27-associated disorders.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

HLA B27-associated conditions typically cause chronic lower back pain and stiffness that worsens with rest and improves with movement, especially in the morning. You might notice pain and swelling in your hips, knees, ankles, or heels, along with reduced flexibility in your spine. Other symptoms include fatigue, eye inflammation causing redness and pain, chest pain from rib cage involvement, and digestive issues if inflammatory bowel disease is present. Some people experience enthesitis, which is painful inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones, particularly in the heels and bottom of the feet.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or related conditions have the highest risk, as the HLA-B27 gene is inherited. Men are three times more likely than women to develop ankylosing spondylitis, and symptoms typically begin between ages 17 and 45. Certain ethnic groups, including people of Northern European, Scandinavian, and Native American descent, have higher rates of the HLA-B27 gene. Your risk increases if you have other autoimmune conditions like psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease, or if you have experienced reactive arthritis following bacterial infections.

Question 7

What happens if HLA B27 Disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HLA B27-associated conditions can lead to progressive spinal fusion, where vertebrae grow together causing permanent loss of flexibility and a stooped posture. Chronic inflammation can damage joints throughout the body, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. Eye inflammation can recur frequently and potentially cause vision loss if not treated promptly. The inflammatory process can affect your heart valves, aorta, and lungs, causing serious cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and prevent irreversible joint damage and organ involvement.

Question 8

Can HLA B27 Disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

HLA B27-associated conditions are diagnosed through a combination of blood testing, clinical examination, and imaging studies. The HLA B Low Resolution blood test identifies whether you carry the HLA-B27 genetic marker, which is present in 80-95% of people with ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies. However, having the HLA-B27 gene does not automatically mean you have disease, as only 2-10% of people with this gene develop symptoms. Your healthcare provider will interpret your HLA-B27 test results alongside inflammatory markers, symptoms, physical examination findings, and X-rays or MRI scans to make a definitive diagnosis.

Question 9

How is HLA B27 Disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, managing pain, and maintaining mobility through a combination of medications and physical therapy. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically the first-line treatment for reducing pain and stiffness. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic medications like TNF inhibitors are used for more severe cases to slow disease progression and prevent joint damage. Regular exercise and physical therapy are essential to maintain flexibility, strengthen muscles, and preserve posture. Some people benefit from occupational therapy, posture training, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Question 10

How can I prevent HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

You cannot prevent inheriting the HLA-B27 gene, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of triggering active disease if you carry this genetic marker. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise helps preserve joint flexibility and reduces inflammation. Avoiding smoking is crucial, as smoking significantly worsens ankylosing spondylitis symptoms and accelerates spinal fusion. Promptly treating bacterial infections, particularly gastrointestinal and genitourinary infections, may reduce the risk of developing reactive arthritis. If you have the HLA-B27 gene or a family history of these conditions, early medical attention for unexplained back pain or joint symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with HLA B27 Disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular stretching and low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and tai chi help maintain spinal flexibility and reduce stiffness without stressing your joints. Heat therapy through warm showers or heating pads can ease morning stiffness and muscle tension, while cold packs may reduce acute inflammation and pain. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce systemic inflammation. Good sleep hygiene, stress management techniques like meditation, and maintaining proper posture throughout the day support overall symptom management. While these natural approaches complement medical treatment, they should not replace prescribed medications or professional medical care.

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:
            
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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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!
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HLA B27 Genetic Blood Test

What is HLA B27 Disease?

What causes HLA B27 Disease?

What is the best test for HLA B27 Disease?

When should I get tested for HLA B27 Disease?

References

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