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HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry

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HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry Test

The HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry Test is used to detect the HLA-B27 antigen on the surface of white blood cells (T lymphocytes) using flow cytometry technology. This test helps in diagnosing and assessing autoimmune diseases, particularly spondyloarthropathies.

Why is the HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry Test Done?

✅ Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) – A chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
✅ Screening for Other Spondyloarthropathies, including:

  • Reactive Arthritis (ReA)
  • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
  • Enteropathic Arthritis (associated with IBD – Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis)
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), especially Enthesitis-Related Arthritis (ERA)
    ✅ Faster & More Accurate than PCR or Serology Tests – Flow cytometry directly detects the HLA-B27 protein on lymphocytes, providing rapid and reliable results.

HLA-B27 Test Methods: Flow Cytometry vs. PCR

Method What It Detects? Advantages Limitations
HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry Presence of HLA-B27 protein on immune cells Fast, highly sensitive & specific May give false positives due to cross-reactivity
HLA-B27 PCR Presence of HLA-B27 gene (DNA) Detects genetic predisposition Cannot differentiate between functional vs. non-functional gene expression

📌 Flow cytometry is preferred for rapid and direct detection, while PCR confirms genetic presence of HLA-B27.

HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry Results & Interpretation

Result Interpretation
Positive (+) HLA-B27 antigen is present; higher risk of spondyloarthropathies, but not a confirmation of disease.
Negative (-) HLA-B27 antigen is absent; reduces likelihood of disease but does not rule it out completely.

🔹 HLA-B27 is found in ~90% of people with ankylosing spondylitis, but not all HLA-B27 carriers will develop the disease.

HLA-B27 & Associated Diseases

Disease HLA-B27 Positive Rate
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) 80–95%
Reactive Arthritis (ReA) 50–80%
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) 20–50%
Enteropathic Arthritis (IBD-Associated Arthritis) 30–50%
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA, Enthesitis-related) 50–85%

📌 A positive result does not confirm disease; additional tests are needed.

Other Supporting Tests

Test Purpose Use Case
ESR & CRP Measures inflammation Helps assess active disease
X-ray / MRI (Sacroiliac Joints & Spine) Detects joint damage Confirms ankylosing spondylitis
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) & Anti-CCP Rules out rheumatoid arthritis Negative in HLA-B27 diseases

Key Takeaways:

✔ HLA-B27 Flow Cytometry detects the HLA-B27 antigen on immune cells, aiding in diagnosing autoimmune diseases.
✔ It is faster than PCR and provides direct detection of the protein.
✔ A positive result increases the risk of diseases like ankylosing spondylitis but does not confirm them.
✔ Additional imaging (MRI/X-ray) and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) are needed for diagnosis.

Original price was: ₹1,650.00.Current price is: ₹1,399.00.

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