HLA B27 Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure, Range, & More

Overview 

• The HLA-B27 test detects an antigen on the surface of certain white blood cells. It is used to support the evaluation of inflammatory conditions, particularly spondyloarthritis.
• A positive HLA-B27 result does not confirm a disease. Some people carry the antigen without developing an associated condition.
• A negative result does not rule out spondyloarthritis. Doctors interpret the result alongside symptoms, medical history, and other investigations.
• The test usually reports a positive or negative result, rather than a numerical normal range.
• Fasting is not required for the HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) test listed by Redcliffe Labs. The displayed price is ₹2,159, but the current price and report time should be checked for your location.

Quick Answer: What Is the HLA-B27 Test? 

The HLA-B27 test is a blood test that detects the HLA-B27 antigen, a protein found on the surface of certain white blood cells. Doctors may recommend it when evaluating symptoms that suggest ankylosing spondylitis or other related inflammatory conditions. A positive result does not necessarily mean you have a disease, and a negative result cannot rule one out. The result must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and other clinical findings.

The HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) test is a blood test that detects the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen, a protein found on the surface of certain white blood cells. This antigen is associated with an increased likelihood of developing certain inflammatory conditions, particularly ankylosing spondylitis and other forms of spondyloarthritis. 

Doctors may recommend the HLA-B27 test when a person has persistent back pain, joint inflammation, stiffness, or certain types of eye inflammation. However, the result cannot diagnose or rule out a condition on its own. It must be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, examination findings and other investigations.

Test Details in Brief

Test detail	Information
Also known as	HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) Test
Purpose	Detects the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen on white blood cells
Sample type	Blood
Preparation	No fasting required
Report time	Within 60 hours on the main product listing; check the location-specific page
Cost	₹2,159 on the currently checked Redcliffe Labs listing; confirm the current price before booking

The test detects the HLA-B27 antigen, not the HLA-B27 gene itself. Flow cytometry and PCR are different testing methods and should not be described interchangeably.

Purpose of the HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) Test 

The HLA-B27 test helps doctors assess whether a person has an antigen associated with certain inflammatory conditions. Its usefulness depends on the symptoms and clinical findings that prompted testing.

The key purposes of the test include:

• Supporting diagnosis: The result may support the evaluation of conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and other forms of spondyloarthritis. However, it cannot establish a diagnosis by itself.
• Assessing inflammatory symptoms: Doctors may consider the test when evaluating persistent inflammatory back pain, joint swelling, stiffness, or recurrent acute anterior uveitis.
• Contributing to clinical assessment: The result can provide additional information when considered alongside a person's medical history, examination and other investigations.

Removed the claim that HLA-B27 testing directly personalises treatment, monitors disease progression or predicts treatment response. The test identifies the antigen; it does not measure disease activity or determine an appropriate treatment on its own.

What Does the HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) Test Detect? 

The HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) test detects whether the HLA-B27 antigen is present on the surface of relevant white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes.

HLA-B27 is associated with a group of inflammatory conditions known as spondyloarthritis. These conditions can affect the spine, joints, areas where tendons attach to bones and, in some cases, the eyes.

Conditions associated with HLA-B27 include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reactive arthritis
• Certain forms of psoriatic arthritis, particularly those involving the spine
• Some forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Acute anterior uveitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis

These conditions are associated with HLA-B27, but the test does not directly detect or diagnose them. HLA-B27 is not a general test for all autoimmune diseases, and a positive result does not mean that a person will necessarily develop an associated condition.

Preparation for the HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) Test 

Preparing for the HLA-B27 test is generally straightforward. Follow the instructions provided by your laboratory and healthcare professional.

• Fasting: You do not need to fast before the HLA-B27 test listed by Redcliffe Labs.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about the medicines and supplements you take if they are relevant to your assessment. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
• Other tests: If you are having additional blood tests during the same visit, check whether any of them require fasting or other preparation.

Removed the unsupported general claim that some medicines may affect the HLA-B27 result. Preparation instructions should reflect the specific test and any other investigations being performed.

The Procedure of the HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) Test

The HLA-B27 test involves collecting a blood sample. The procedure generally includes the following steps:

1. Blood collection: A trained phlebotomist applies a tourniquet if needed, cleans the collection site, and draws blood from a vein, usually in the arm.
2. Sample handling: The blood sample is collected in an appropriate tube, labelled, and sent to the laboratory.
3. Laboratory analysis: Flow cytometry is used to identify whether the HLA-B27 antigen is detected on the relevant white blood cells.
4. Report preparation: The laboratory processes the result and makes the report available according to its stated turnaround time.

Blood collection may cause brief discomfort, mild bruising, or soreness at the needle site. Serious complications are uncommon.

Redcliffe Labs' main HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) listing states a report time of within 60 hours. Check the relevant location page for the current turnaround time before publishing a city-specific promise.

Common Illnesses Associated With HLA-B27

HLA-B27 is associated with certain inflammatory conditions. However, carrying the antigen does not automatically mean that a person has or will develop one of these conditions.

1. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of axial spondyloarthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis. Symptoms may include persistent back pain and stiffness, particularly in younger adults. The discomfort may improve with movement rather than rest.

HLA-B27 is common among people with ankylosing spondylitis, but not everyone with the condition carries this antigen. Similarly, many HLA-B27-positive people never develop ankylosing spondylitis.

Removed the unqualified claim that over 90% of people with ankylosing spondylitis test positive, as the proportion varies by population and genetic background.

2. Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis can develop after certain gastrointestinal or genitourinary infections. It may cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often affecting the knees, ankles, or feet. Some people may also experience eye inflammation or urinary symptoms.

HLA-B27 may be associated with reactive arthritis, but the test alone cannot confirm the condition.

3. Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition associated with psoriasis. It can affect the peripheral joints and, in some people, the spine. HLA-B27 may be relevant in people with spinal involvement, but it is not present in every person with psoriatic arthritis.

4. Acute Anterior Uveitis

Acute anterior uveitis is inflammation affecting the front part of the eye. Symptoms can include eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.

HLA-B27 is associated with some cases of acute anterior uveitis, particularly when other features of spondyloarthritis are present. Eye symptoms require appropriate clinical assessment and cannot be diagnosed through an HLA-B27 blood test alone.

Important: Sudden eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision warrants urgent eye assessment.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Arthritis

Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can be associated with joint inflammation. HLA-B27 is not a test for either bowel disease. Its relevance depends on the person's symptoms and clinical assessment.

This section retains the original conditions while making clear that the test identifies an associated antigen, not the diseases themselves.

What Do HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) Test Reports Indicate?

The HLA-B27 test generally reports whether the antigen was detected. Results are usually described as positive or negative rather than as a numerical measurement.

HLA-B27 Positive

A positive result means that the HLA-B27 antigen was detected.

This may support a doctor's assessment when a person has symptoms suggestive of an associated inflammatory condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis or another form of spondyloarthritis.

However, a positive HLA-B27 result does not confirm a diagnosis. Some healthy people carry the antigen without developing an associated disease. A doctor may recommend further assessment or investigations depending on the symptoms and other findings.

HLA-B27 Negative

A negative result means that the HLA-B27 antigen was not detected by the test.

This may make an HLA-B27-associated condition less likely in some situations, but it does not rule out spondyloarthritis. Some people with ankylosing spondylitis and related conditions are HLA-B27 negative.

If symptoms remain suggestive, the doctor may consider other investigations, such as imaging or additional blood tests, based on the clinical situation.

What Is the Normal Range for HLA-B27?

The HLA-B27 test is generally qualitative, so it does not usually have a numerical normal range.

• Negative: The HLA-B27 antigen was not detected.
• Positive: The HLA-B27 antigen was detected.

The result should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, and other clinical findings. Neither a positive nor a negative result should be used in isolation to diagnose or exclude a disease.

When Do I Need the HLA-B27 Test?

The HLA-B27 test may be considered when symptoms suggest a possible inflammatory condition associated with the antigen. These may include:

• Persistent lower back pain and stiffness, particularly when symptoms begin at a younger age.
• Back pain that improves with movement but not with rest.
• Persistent or recurrent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.
• Inflammation at sites where tendons or ligaments attach to bones, such as the heel.
• Recurrent acute anterior uveitis.
• Psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease alongside suggestive joint or back symptoms.
• A family history of spondyloarthritis, when considered alongside relevant symptoms.

These symptoms do not automatically mean that an HLA-B27 test is required. A doctor will decide whether the test is appropriate based on the complete clinical picture.

Changed the original heading, “When Do I Need the HLA-B27 PCR Test?”, because the Redcliffe product discussed in this article is the HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry test. PCR is a different method.

HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) Test Price at Redcliffe Labs (EXISTING SECTION RETAINED AND OPTIMISED)

The current Redcliffe Labs listing reviewed for the HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) test displays an offer price of ₹2,159. Prices and offers may change, so confirm the amount shown for your location before booking.

The main product listing states that fasting is not required and reports are available within 60 hours. Turnaround times may vary by location.

Redcliffe Labs offers online booking for eligible locations. Check the official HLA-B27 test page for current availability, price, and report details.

HLA-B27 Test Price in Different Cities 

City	Price
Delhi	₹2,159
Mumbai	₹2,159
Pune	₹2,159
Bangalore	₹2,159
Hyderabad	₹2,159
Lucknow	₹2,159
Kolkata	₹2,159

(UPDATED): The existing article lists ₹2,159 for every city, but that should not be treated as permanently fixed. Confirm all city-specific prices against the live booking pages before publication. The hero product module must also be updated if it still displays ₹2,499.

Book Your HLA-B27 Test with Redcliffe Labs

If your doctor has recommended an HLA-B27 test, check the current price, sample collection options and report time for your location before booking.

The HLA-B27 (Flow Cytometry) test detects the HLA-B27 antigen and may support the assessment of certain inflammatory conditions. It cannot independently diagnose or rule out a disease.

After receiving your report, discuss the result with your doctor to understand what it means in the context of your symptoms and whether any further evaluation is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the HLA-B27 by Flow Cytometry test?

The HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry test is a blood test that detects the HLA-B27 antigen on the surface of relevant white blood cells. It may support the evaluation of certain inflammatory conditions, particularly spondyloarthritis, but it cannot diagnose or rule out these conditions on its own.

2. What is the HLA-B27 test used for?

The test may help doctors assess people with symptoms suggestive of ankylosing spondylitis or other related inflammatory conditions. The result is interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and other investigations.

3. What diseases are associated with a positive HLA-B27 result?

HLA-B27 is associated with ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, certain forms of psoriatic arthritis, some forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and acute anterior uveitis. The antigen may also be relevant in some people with inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis. A positive result does not mean that a person has one of these conditions.

4. What is the price of the HLA-B27 test at Redcliffe Labs?

The currently checked Redcliffe Labs listing displays an offer price of ₹2,159. Prices and availability may vary by location and change over time, so check the official test page before booking.

5. Is HLA-B27 life-threatening?

HLA-B27 positivity itself is not a disease and is not inherently life-threatening. Its significance depends on whether the person has an associated inflammatory condition. If a condition is diagnosed, its impact depends on the specific disease and how it is managed.

6. What is the best treatment for HLA-B27-positive individuals?

There is no treatment required simply because a person tests positive for HLA-B27. If an associated condition is diagnosed, treatment depends on the disease, symptoms, and clinical assessment. It may involve medication, physiotherapy, or other care recommended by the treating clinician.

7. What is the full form of HLA?

HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen. These proteins help the immune system distinguish the body's own cells from foreign substances.

8. What foods should be avoided with HLA-B27?

A positive HLA-B27 result alone does not mean that you need to avoid specific foods. There is no universal HLA-B27-specific diet. If you have a diagnosed inflammatory condition, a doctor or qualified dietitian can advise on dietary changes based on your symptoms, nutritional needs, and overall health.

Removed the previous blanket recommendation to avoid red meat, sugar, refined flour, gluten, fried foods, alcohol, and other foods solely because of HLA-B27 positivity.

9. Can a negative HLA-B27 result rule out ankylosing spondylitis?

No. Some people with ankylosing spondylitis are HLA-B27 negative. If symptoms suggest the condition, a doctor may recommend further clinical assessment and investigations despite a negative result.

10. Is the HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry test the same as the HLA-B27 PCR test?

No. Flow cytometry detects the HLA-B27 antigen on cells, while PCR-based testing detects specific genetic material. They are different methods. Confirm which test your doctor has requested before booking.