HLA B15 Test

HLA, or human leukocyte antigens are genes and antigens that are inherited and are present on the surface of the White Blood Cells or WBCs. The HLA B15 antigen is associated with severe skin diseases such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. HLA testing identifies the presence of the gene and its corresponding antigens. The antigen is important as it helps in the proper functioning of the immune system and distinguishes between the cells that are self and those that are foreign. The HLA test is primarily done to match up donors and recipients of organs and bone marrow transplants; it helps detect antigens that can cause the transplant to be unsuccessful.

You do not need to prepare specifically for the test. You only have to make sure that you have gathered all the information from your doctor and are well aware of the process and the medications. Apart from this, your doctor would also like to know the medicines or supplements you take as certain medications can affect the test. Depending on your conditions, your doctor would advise the best course of action for you.

The test results are usually available in a few days’ time. The normal result for HLA B15 antigen is normally negative for unisex gender and for all age groups.

For the test, your doctor or lab technician will place a plastic band on your upper arm; this is done to fill up the vein with blood and swell up. Then, he or she will clean the area with an antiseptic and put a needle. He will then draw a blood and keep it in a vial or tube. The plastic band and needle are removed and a bandage is applied to the area to stop the bleeding. The whole process usually takes a few minutes. The collected blood is then sent to the lab for analysis. Also, sometimes for the test, a swab of cells is taken from the inside of the cheek, which is known as the buccal swab.