Julie from Calgary asks: Does a negative test rule out ankylosing spondylitis?
As of 2017, there are no definitive blood tests which can diagnose or rule out ankylosing spondylitis. HLA B27 is a genetic marker which is often found in patients with AS, but it is not required to make a diagnosis. Similarly, inflammatory markers in the blood may be elevated in AS, but may also be normal. To make a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, or to rule it out, a patient should review their story with their physician or rheumatologist. The rheumatologist often will obtain further imaging, including x-rays or an MRI of the lower spine, to help ascertain a diagnosis.
Posted: November 19, 2017
Tagged: ankylosing spondylitis, investigation