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HLA-B27 antigen

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

Alternative Names:

Human leukocyte antigen B27

Normal Values:

A normal result means HLA-B27 is absent.

However, HLA-B27 is found in 5 - 7% of Caucasians who do not have an autoimmune disorder.

What abnormal results mean:

A positive test means HLA-B27 is present. It suggests a greater-than-average risk for developing:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reiter syndrome
• Sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint)

In the presence of suggestive clinical findings, a positive HLA-B27 test may confirm the diagnosis.

• Review Date: 5/29/2007
• Reviewed By: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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