HLA B27 Test: Purpose, Normal Range and Price

The HLA B27 test is a blood test that detects the presence or absence of Human Leukocyte Antigen B27, a protein found on the surface of white blood cells. HLA B27 is a genetic marker inherited from parents and is neither a disease nor an infection. Its presence indicates a significantly increased susceptibility to a group of inflammatory joint and spinal conditions collectively known as spondyloarthropathies. The test at SecondMedic is performed using flow cytometry, the most accurate and internationally recommended method for HLA B27 detection, which analyses individual cells using laser-based technology to identify the B27 antigen with high precision. In India, HLA B27 is present in approximately 6 to 8% of the general population, and among individuals with ankylosing spondylitis, the most common spondyloarthropathy, positivity rates exceed 90%. Ankylosing spondylitis predominantly affects young men between 20 and 40 years of age and is a leading cause of chronic back pain and progressive spinal stiffness in this demographic. Early diagnosis through HLA B27 testing is critical because timely anti-inflammatory treatment can significantly slow disease progression and preserve spinal mobility. The test involves a simple blood draw completed in under five minutes.

Doctors prescribe an HLA B27 test in the following situations: Investigating chronic lower back pain in young adults, particularly pain that is worse in the morning, improves with movement, and has been present for more than three months, which is the classic presentation of inflammatory back pain seen in ankylosing spondylitis. Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis in patients with sacroiliac joint inflammation on imaging, where HLA B27 positivity alongside clinical and radiological findings confirms the diagnosis and guides treatment with NSAIDs or biological therapies. Evaluating reactive arthritis, previously known as Reiter's syndrome, in patients who develop joint pain, eye inflammation, and urethritis following a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection, where HLA B27 positivity supports the diagnosis. Investigating psoriatic arthritis with spinal involvement or enthesitis, where HLA B27 testing helps assess the spondyloarthropathy component of the disease. Evaluating inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who develop back pain or joint inflammation, as IBD-related spondyloarthropathy is strongly associated with HLA B27. Investigating uveitis, particularly recurrent or bilateral anterior uveitis, where HLA B27 positivity is found in up to 50% of cases and identifies patients at risk of underlying spondyloarthropathy requiring rheumatological evaluation. Evaluating juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis subtype, where HLA B27 testing supports classification and long-term monitoring.

The HLA B27 test by flow cytometry detects the presence or absence of the HLA B27 antigen on the surface of white blood cells. The result is reported as either Positive or Negative. Interpreting HLA B27 Results A Positive HLA B27 result means the HLA B27 antigen is present on the patient's white blood cells. It does not confirm disease on its own. Approximately 80 to 90% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis are HLA B27 positive, but only about 1 to 5% of HLA B27 positive individuals in the general population will develop ankylosing spondylitis. The result must always be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms, physical examination, and imaging findings such as MRI of the sacroiliac joints. A Negative HLA B27 result makes ankylosing spondylitis less likely but does not completely exclude it, as approximately 10% of ankylosing spondylitis cases are HLA B27 negative. Other spondyloarthropathies such as reactive arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can also occur in HLA B27 negative individuals. The clinical value of HLA B27 lies in its role as a diagnostic support tool when combined with the full clinical picture, not as a standalone confirmatory test.

No fasting is required for the HLA B27 test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection. Our team confirms preparation requirements at the time of booking. Inform the phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking, particularly immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and biological therapies, as these can affect white blood cell counts and surface marker expression, though they do not alter the genetic HLA B27 result itself. Ensure the sample is collected and transported to the laboratory promptly, as flow cytometry requires a fresh blood sample processed within a specific time window for accurate cell surface marker analysis. SecondMedic's phlebotomists are trained to ensure correct sample handling for this test. No dietary or lifestyle restrictions are required beyond the above. Stay normally hydrated before sample collection.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the HLA B27 test price starts at approximately Rs. 2,253. The exact price will be confirmed at the time of booking through SecondMedic. If your doctor has prescribed multiple tests alongside HLA B27, SecondMedic health packages include HLA B27 as part of a broader autoimmune or rheumatology panel at a significantly lower combined price.

SecondMedic provides home sample collection for HLA B27 test across all major areas. You do not need to visit a lab or collection centre. A certified and trained phlebotomist comes to your home or workplace at your chosen time, collects the sample using sterile single-use equipment, and ensures it is transported to the NABL-accredited lab within the required time window for accurate processing. Please note that SecondMedic provides free home sample collection on all tests priced above Rs. 300. Our team will check your pincode and confirm if your address falls under our free sample collection eligibility criteria, which depends upon the lab location and phlebotomist availability. Home collection is available between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Enter your pincode on the booking page or call our helpline to confirm availability at your address.