HLA B-27, Flowcytometry
Understanding HLA B-27, Flowcytometry
What is HLA B-27, Flowcytometry?
HLA B-27, Flow Cytometry test is performed to measure the level of HLA B27 antigen in blood. Presence of HLA B-27 may indicate a possibility of autoimmune disease, where the guarding cells (WBC) attacks own cells.
This test is done if one experiences signs and symptoms of arthritis such as chronic joint pain, inflammation in the lower back and hips. It can also help detect inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic conditions.
People with a positive HLA B-27 have an increased chance of developing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
What is HLA B-27, Flowcytometry used for?
The HLA B-27 test is done:
In case of symptoms of arthritis such as chronic joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the lower back, hips, neck, and chest
In the case of Uveitis (painful inflammation of eyes) especially in males and of the early 30s age group.
Interpreting HLA B-27, Flowcytometry results
Interpretations
RESULT | REMARKS |
Negative | No expression of HLA B-27 |
Indeterminate | Grey zone (within 10 channels of cutoff) |
Positive | Expression of HLA B-27 detected |
Anti-HLA-B27 antibody cross reacts with several other antigens of HLA-B group specially HLA-B7 leading to false-positive results*