Can women be HLA-B27 positive?

In our study, the prevalence of positive HLA-B27 status was 90.7%. Also, AS is more common in men, with a reported male-to-female ratio of about 2:1 to 3:1, probably as a result of under diagnosis in women. In fact, female AS patients may represent a largely under diagnosed and understudied population.

Do females get ankylosing spondylitis?

In women, ankylosing spondylitis can affect areas other than the spine and may progress more slowly — making it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has traditionally been considered a disease that affects mostly men — yet in reality, it also affects many women.

What happens if you test positive for HLA-B27?

A positive test means HLA-B27 is present. It suggests a greater-than-average risk for developing or having certain autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.

What percentage of women get ankylosing spondylitis?

AS is rare. Less than 1 percent of Americans have the chronic inflammatory disease. However, newer research suggests it may be underdiagnosed in general and specifically in women.

What does the presence of HLA-B27 mean?

HLA-B27 is a genetic marker. In people with inflammatory arthritis of the spine and joints (not osteoarthritis), a positive HLA-B27 test is associated with the presence of one of a group of diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies.

How is HLA testing done?

How HLA testing is done. A sample of blood is taken by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. Sometimes a swab of cells is taken from inside of your cheek (called a buccal swab) for testing.

What is the definition of a blood panel?

A blood panel is a test used to evaluate a patient’s overall health and to screen for a wide variety of disorders. It is also known as a complete blood count (CBC), full blood count (FBC), or hemogram. This test is often performed as part of a routine medical checkup or at the request of a physician seeking specific information.