Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (venous)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turnaround: 6-8 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Screen for autoimmune disease risk – Detect HLA-B27 antigen linked to inflammatory conditions
- Early diagnosis opportunity – Identify markers before severe symptoms develop (ACR 2024)
- Convenient at-home or in-lab testing – Easy online ordering with flexible collection options
- No prep needed – Skip fasting; minimal disruption to your day
- Confidential, direct-to-consumer access – Know your genetic markers without insurance hassle
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing chronic back pain or spinal stiffness suggesting ankylosing spondylitis
- Those with joint pain, swelling, or inflammatory arthritis symptoms
- People with recurrent eye inflammation (uveitis) of unknown cause
- Anyone with family history of ankylosing spondylitis or related autoimmune diseases
- Patients needing differential diagnosis for inflammatory conditions
- Those with gastrointestinal or skin symptoms alongside joint involvement
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Select your test, choose a convenient lab location, and schedule your appointment instantly.
- Provide blood sample – Quick venous draw; no fasting required
- Get results — Receive results in 6–8 days to help guide next steps.
FAQ
What is HLA-B27 and why does it matter? HLA-B27 is a genetic marker on white blood cells associated with increased risk of autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and certain eye inflammation (Mayo Clinic 2024). About 6% of the U.S. population carries it, but 80–90% of ankylosing spondylitis patients test positive.
Will a positive HLA-B27 result mean I'll definitely get an autoimmune disease? No. A positive result indicates increased risk, not certainty. Many people with HLA-B27 remain perfectly healthy (CDC 2025). The test guides monitoring and specialist consultation.
What happens if my result is negative? A negative result lowers—but doesn't completely rule out—certain autoimmune conditions (NIH 2023). Your symptoms and other clinical findings still matter for diagnosis.
How accurate is the HLA-B27 test? The test has approximately 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity for ankylosing spondylitis (NIH 2023), making it highly reliable for detecting the antigen.
Do I need a doctor's order to take this test? No. Walk-In Lab offers direct-to-consumer testing. However, we recommend discussing results with your doctor or rheumatologist for proper interpretation.
What should I do if my result is positive? Schedule a consultation with a rheumatologist or specialist, especially if you have inflammatory symptoms. Additional testing (ESR, CRP, imaging) may support diagnosis and guide treatment.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test detects the presence of human leukocyte antigen B27, a genetic marker strongly associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This test helps clinicians and patients identify increased risk for conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis (a form of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine), reactive arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and anterior uveitis (eye inflammation). By determining your HLA-B27 status, you gain insight into disease susceptibility and can pursue earlier specialist evaluation and management if symptoms are present (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from HLA-B27 testing if you experience chronic inflammatory symptoms—particularly back pain, joint stiffness, or recurrent eye inflammation—or if you have a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or related disorders. This test is especially valuable for individuals aged 15–45, when spondyloarthritis typically emerges (ACR 2024). Additionally, if your doctor suspects an autoimmune condition but the diagnosis remains unclear, HLA-B27 testing can support differential diagnosis and help avoid delayed treatment. Screening is also relevant for asymptomatic individuals with strong family histories seeking proactive health assessment.
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering the HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test if you develop symptoms suggestive of HLA-B27–associated diseases: persistent back pain, joint swelling or stiffness, recurrent uveitis, inflammatory skin rashes, gastrointestinal symptoms, or unexplained fatigue. If you have a family member with ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis, early screening may provide valuable baseline information. This test is also appropriate when your healthcare provider is investigating the cause of inflammatory symptoms and autoimmune conditions are in the differential diagnosis. There is no ideal "age" to test, but onset typically occurs in young to middle-aged adults (Mayo Clinic 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Positive:
- Meaning: HLA-B27 antigen detected; increased autoimmune disease risk
- Typical next step: Consult rheumatologist; consider ESR, CRP, imaging if symptoms present
Negative:
- Meaning: HLA-B27 antigen not detected
- Typical next step: Autoimmune disease less likely but not ruled out; evaluate other causes
A positive HLA-B27 result requires clinical correlation—the test alone does not diagnose disease, but guides specialist evaluation and monitoring.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is needed before your HLA-B27 test. Fasting is not required, so you may eat and drink normally before your blood draw. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to make the venous blood draw easier. If drawing blood at home, ensure you have a clean, well-lit space and follow the kit instructions carefully. You may take all regular medications as scheduled. If you feel unwell or have active infection, consider rescheduling to ensure the most accurate results.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once (baseline HLA-B27 status does not change)
- Monitoring disease progression: As recommended by your rheumatologist, typically every 6–12 months
- After diagnosis of autoimmune disease: Per specialist guidance; repeat testing is generally unnecessary
- Asymptomatic family members: Once for baseline; more frequent testing only if symptoms develop
HLA-B27 status is permanent and does not change over time, so repeat testing is rarely medically necessary unless monitoring inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) as part of disease management.
Why early detection matters
Early identification of HLA-B27 in symptomatic individuals allows for timely specialist consultation and initiation of appropriate anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies, significantly improving long-term outcomes (ACR 2024). Delayed diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and related conditions can result in progressive joint damage, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. By screening when symptoms first appear—especially chronic back pain or unexplained joint inflammation—you can begin disease-modifying treatment sooner, reduce inflammation-related complications, and work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan. Proactive testing empowers you to take control of your health rather than waiting for severe symptoms to develop (NIH 2023).
Related tests you may consider
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) – Distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other autoimmune arthritis conditions
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – Measure systemic inflammation levels and monitor disease activity
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Assess overall blood health and detect anemia common in chronic inflammatory diseases
