Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the spine and can also affect other joints. It is a type of arthritis that causes the vertebrae in the spine to fuse together, resulting in a stiff, immobile spine. There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but early diagnosis and treatment can help to manage the condition and reduce pain and disability.
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Show Up in Blood Work?
The short answer to this question is no. Ankylosing spondylitis does not show up in a person's blood work. In fact, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. To diagnose the condition, a doctor will typically look at a person's medical history, physical exam findings, and imaging studies.
HLA-B27 Test
Although ankylosing spondylitis does not show up in a person's blood work, there is a specific genetic test – the HLA-B27 test – that can be used to help diagnose it. The HLA-B27 test looks for a gene called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27), which is present in around 8 out of 10 people with ankylosing spondylitis.
A positive result on the HLA-B27 test can help to confirm a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. However, it is important to note that a negative result does not rule out the condition – around 1 in 10 people with ankylosing spondylitis do not have the HLA-B27 gene.
CRP Test
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is another blood test that can be used to help diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. The CRP test measures the levels of a protein called C-reactive protein in the blood. C-reactive protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body, so elevated levels can indicate the presence of an inflammatory disorder.
However, the CRP test is not specific to ankylosing spondylitis, and it cannot be used to definitively diagnose the condition. Elevated CRP levels can be found in other conditions as well, so they must be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria.
Conclusion
Ankylosing spondylitis does not show up in a person's blood work. However, there are specific tests – such as the HLA-B27 test and the CRP test – that can be used to help diagnose the condition. It is important to note that a negative result on these tests does not rule out ankylosing spondylitis, and that they must be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria.