Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group HLA B27: unknown?

Met with rheumatologist for second time today. HLA B27 came out "unknown". He said that was highly unusual, gave me another prescription for one. How can it come out "unknown"?.

He said it's supposed to be one way or the other, not unknown. Lab contamination? He said try fasting prior to test next time.

Also, he showed a total lack of familiarity with my history. He also said I worry too much and do not have any signs of arthritis based on his evaluation. I probably do worry too much, and who knows maybe there is an element in my head. Or maybe it's all just in my head. Maybe I just need a good psychologist. I have been feeling quite well lately, dieting, stretching, modifying my lifestyle. I left his office feeling really low, however...

Get it done again-I've heard of false negatives and such...

Hope you find an answer concerning what ails you soon...

Does seem odd to test unknown. Like overcomer said "do it again". Good Luck on your Journey to finding out what's wrong. Take care,
Scotty...

Yeah, but this result wasn't a false negative. Apparently it was not negative or positive--simply unknown. Weird. I'll do it again and let you know, just in case you were wondering...

Thanks for the advice and concern,

--zdog

Yes, let us know when you get the results of the second test. I'd say go by how you feel, not just what the Dr. says. maybe you could document your symptoms and then go over that list with him and see what he says then. Good luck with getting it all figured out, sometimes it's a challenge.

HI ZDog,

I had a false negative... followed by positve HLA-B27 test. So do not put all your stock in one test... doc not knowing your history is a little more annoying, I had one doctor like that, had him for very short stint, did not need him managing my health.

Keep plugging along with what is working... and sounds like you have found somethings that work.

Tim

Hey Z, I came across this website tonight doing a search... interesting what it says about the HLA B27 antigen. In essence, it neither confirms nor denies AS as a Dx... It may or may not be a factor. AS is Dx'd by other criteria...

http://www.emedicine.com/RADIO/topic41.htm

Hey, I'm touched that you researched this a bit on my behalf! Actually, I am well aware that the test is merely an indicator, not a diagnostic tool. It is currently held that only around 20 percent of folks who test HLA B27 positive develop AS. Moreover, a certain number of individuals who display different abnormalities, or even no detectable abnormality at all, still develop AS, or something similar. With HLA B27, doctors are NOT testing for absence or presence; EVERYBODY has HLA B27, what is determined is the NEGATIVE or POSITIVE aspect of the antigen. What was a bit frustrating yesterday, and surprising even to the Rheumatologist, was that the test came back neither - nor +: It came back UNKNOWN. So the result was useless not only as a diagnostic tool, but also as an indicator. I was wondering what could cause an UNKNOWN?

EVERYBODY has HLA B27, what is determined is the NEGATIVE or POSITIVE aspect of the antigen

Everybody has HLA SOMETHING or other at that gene location; if it is not the B27 type it is reported as negative in the test. In your case I guess the test was not successfully completed. Presumably they got paid for just trying?

Zdog, you wouldn't be the first person seeking a diagnosis to be told "it's all in your head" and you probably won't be the last. You are in very good company with many of our fellow KAers. Just don't give up until your questions about how you are feeling are answered satisfactorily and you are given treatment to help what ails you.

As for the uncertain test result - ???? I've never heard of that. That's just whacky. Most definitely get another done.

Good luck with it.

Hugs,