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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

HLA B27 Qualitative PCR Test

The HLA B27 Qualitative PCR Test detects the presence of the HLA B27 antigen, often associated with autoimmune conditions like spondyloarthritis. This test can aid in diagnosis and management.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Blood sample (usually collected in an EDTA tube).
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is typically required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 9,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the HLA B27 Qualitative PCR Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Chronic back pain
  • ✓Joint pain and swelling
  • ✓Inflammation of the eyes (uveitis)
  • ✓Family history of spondyloarthritis or related autoimmune conditions
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of reactive arthritis
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of psoriatic arthritis
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of ankylosing spondylitis
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify the presence of the HLA B27 antigen, which is associated with an increased risk for certain autoimmune diseases, particularly spondyloarthropathies. It aids clinicians in the diagnostic process when evaluating patients with relevant symptoms.
The HLA B27 Qualitative PCR Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify the presence of the HLA B27 antigen in a blood sample. This antigen is linked to an increased risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases, particularly a group known as spondyloarthropathies, which affect the spine and joints.

This test uses a Real Time PCR method to detect the genetic marker. A positive result indicates the presence of the HLA B27 antigen. While not diagnostic on its own, this information can be valuable for healthcare providers when assessing individuals with symptoms suggestive of these conditions.

Understanding the presence or absence of HLA B27 can help guide further investigations and management strategies for autoimmune diseases.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo special preparation is typically required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleBlood sample (usually collected in an EDTA tube).
MethodologyReal Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
A positive HLA B27 result does not confirm a diagnosis of spondyloarthritis, as many people with the antigen never develop the condition. A negative result does not completely rule out the possibility of these diseases. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

HLA B27 is a specific type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), which is a protein found on the surface of white blood cells. It is a genetic marker associated with an increased risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases.
Spondyloarthropathies are a group of inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the spine and joints. Examples include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
No, a positive result only indicates the presence of the HLA B27 antigen. Many people with this antigen never develop an autoimmune disease. It is a risk factor, not a diagnosis.
This test is a supportive tool used by doctors as part of a comprehensive evaluation. It is not used alone to diagnose a condition. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
The sample is typically a blood draw, usually collected in a specific type of tube (EDTA).
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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