Blood Test Ordered by Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist

[Jennifer]

Any of you ever have this blood test done (HLA-B27)? This is what its testing for, "to help strengthen or confirm a suspected diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), or sometimes anterior uveitis." http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hla-b27/tab/test

I was told by my GP that my x-rays of my back and hips showed arthritis and it was suggested on the forum that I go see a specialist so I got a referral. The specialist wanted to have this test done first so I did it and just got a call today saying that the specialist wants to see me but unfortunately is booked until August. Now I'm assuming that if the test was negative/didn't show anything then the specialist wouldn't want to see me (he's the only specialist in the area so I don't think he would take on patients that don't really need to be seen). So if he wants to see me, I'm assuming that the test is positive of something.

Now I'm just a little worried cause I'm completely in the dark and no one likes to be in the dark about their health. Any of you have this test done before? What did it show and what were/are your symptoms? Do you think a specialist would still see you if the test were negative?

 

[handle]

I'd guess if it was positive he'd get you in sooner? He may have asked to see you because it is negative and he wants to discuss what test to do next.
Is it possible that your GP can get a copy of the results and you can see him? I would call and find out more from his secretary (or whoever called you) as it would bug me not knowing also!

 

[Twiggy930]

Hi Crabby,

I have been researching this topic lately as my son has been having leg pain that seems to be coming from his sacroiliac joint. The HLA-B27 is a gene that has been found to correlate to a susceptibility to various forms of arthritis, most commonly ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The HLA-B27 test is not a diagnostic test for ankylosing spondylitis, some people have the gene and never develop AS and some people with AS don't have the gene. Ankylosing spondylitis affects the spine and sacroiliac joint in the hip.

I would venture to say that the Rheumatologist would likely want to see you regardless of what the HLA-B27 test showed given your symptoms, x-ray and IBD. The HLA-B27 results would just be another piece of the puzzle.

I completely know how you feel about having to wait until August for an appointment. I just got given an appointment date in October for my son to see a Rheumatologist. My son has been unable to bear weight on his leg for 2 months and is using crutches and we have to wait until October!!! :ymad:Apparently there are not enough Rheumatologists in the world. We have been put on a cancellation list so they will call us for an earlier appointment if someone cancels, maybe you could see if they would do this for you. So sorry you have to wait. Waiting really is horrible. :voodoo: