HLA-B27 DETERMINATION BY POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

A method for determining the presence or absence of HLA-B27 by selecti ve amplification of a region in the third exon of the HLA-B27 gene com mon to B2701 to B*2705 inclusive, was evaluated. This polymerase chai n reaction/sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) method gave perfect corr elation with serological typing on 40 individuals of previously determ ined HLA type and on 50 further clinical samples evaluated blind. It w as concluded that HLA-B27 determination by PCR-SSP is simple, reliable , cost-effective and convient for laboratory staff.