Question

why did the APRN order an HLA-B27 lab? How would that lab result assist in understanding what ankylosing spondylitis?

Answer 1

The HLA-B27 test is primarily ordered to help strengthen or confirm a suspected diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), or sometimes anterior uveitis. The APRN must have ordered HLA- 27 because she would have suspected one of the above mentioned disease.

Human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) is a protein located on the surface of our white blood cells. An HLA-B27 test is a blood test that identifies HLA-B27 proteins.Although most HLAs protect our body from harm, HLA-B27 is a specific type of protein that contributes to immune system dysfunction. The presence of HLA-B27 on our white blood cells can cause our immune system to attack those otherwise healthy cells. When this occurs, it can result in an autoimmune disease or immune-mediated disease, such as ankylosing spondylitis.A positive HLA-B27 blood test does not mean one have AS, but that he or she is at increased risk for one of the conditions commonly seen in those with positive test results.A negative HLA-B27 test means that this genetic marker was not found. However, one can still have AS without the HLA-B27 antigen.