HLA-B27 determination by polymerase chain reaction

A method for determining the presence or absence of HLA-B27 by selective amplification of a region in the third exon of the HLA-B27 gene common to B*2701 to B*2705 inclusive, was evaluated. This polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) method gave perfect correlation with serological typing on 40 individuals of previously determined HLA type and on 50 further clinical samples evaluated blind. It was concluded that HLA-B27 determination by PCR-SSP is simple, reliable, cost-effective and convenient for laboratory staff.