HLA-B*27 Testing Update January 2026
Due to reagent supply issues since September 2025, there have been significant delays to the provision of the HLA-B*27 assay service provided by the Tissue Typing Laboratory. This has resulted in a backlog of test requests and an average increase in turnaround time to around 21 days in November and December. It is expected that, from the end of January, this backlog will have been cleared and the majority of samples received after this will meet the expected 14-day turnaround time.
Subsequent to these issues, the following actions have been taken to mitigate the risk of a reoccurrence:
- Change of reagent supplier.
- Storage of a greater volume of reserve stock of reagents.
- Change of laboratory process.
As a result of the change in supplier and subsequent laboratory process, there are now restrictions on the sample tube types which are acceptable for HLA-B*27 testing. Below is a guide of acceptable blood tube types:
Samples received in blood tubes other than those listed above will not be accepted by the laboratory. These test requests will be cancelled, and a replacement sample in the correct tube type, will be required. When filling blood tubes, please be aware that samples with low volumes are more likely to insufficient for the processing. A minimum volume of 1.5mL is typically acceptable. For paediatric patients requiring HLA-B*27 testing, lower sample volumes and different blood tube types will be accommodated wherever possible. Please contact the Laboratory for guidance.
Patient management guidance
HLA-B*27 is a genetic test. The Laboratory receives a high number of test requests for patients who have already been tested for HLA-B*27. Last year this represented around 10% of our total HLA-B*27 workload (around 600 tests). These requests are unnecessary because the patient’s HLA-B*27 status should never change. These tests represent additional cost to the NHS and may delay patient care. If you believe that a result contradicts the clinical picture, then a confirmatory sample may be permissible. But, in the vast majority of cases, there is no benefit to repeated HLA-B*27 testing.
Update provided by:
Sarah Peacock Clinical Director, Tissue Typing
The laboratory predominantly supports the East of England, including Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and areas of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, working closely with clinical staff in Departments of Transplant, Renal Medicine and Haematology and local GPs along with national referrals for our specialist services.
We offer a comprehensive range of molecular and serological techniques to inform selection of HLA compatible donor and recipient pairs in support of:
- solid organ transplantation for the renal, pancreas, liver, small intestine, multi-visceral and cardiothoracic programmes
- allogeneic stem cell transplantation for haematological disorders such as aplastic anaemia, acute lymphoblastoid leukaemia and chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Immunogenic testing also aids clinical diagnosis of disease, selection of strategies for drug hypersensitivity reactions and facilitates an understanding of the causes (aetiology) and mechanisms of the disease.
Patient reports
Downloads
Any requests for patient reports should be emailed to the Tissue Typing Laboratory.
Non-urgent advice: Feedback
We are constantly looking to improve the service we offer. If you feel that we could enhance our service in any way, please let us know your views via our website or speak to a member of staff in the laboratory. We value your feedback.