What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of chronic inflammatory and degenerative arthritis which predominately affects the spinal and sacro-iliac joints. It is characterized by fused spinal bones, permanent painful stiffness and reduced flexibility of the back.
What genes are related to ankylosing spondylitis?
There are variations in several genes that increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. One of them is a variation of the HLA-B gene called HLA-B27. About 90 – 95 % of patients with AS are inherited with HLA-B27. However, most people with this version of the HLA-B gene never develop the disorder.
What is this test for?
This test detects the HLA-B27 variation of the HLA-B gene.
Who should consider this test?
- Individuals with signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis as suggested by clinical findings
Test Specifications
Rejection criteria
- Specimen without proper labeling
- Specimen not in requested format or insufficient quantity
- Specimen in container expired for more than 1 month
- Container leakage
- Sampling date is more than 7 days
- Frozen specimen, haemolysed or clotted blood specimen
Factor(s) known to affect results
- Improper collection, handling and storage of specimen