HLA panel screen (DR and DQ)
Also known as: HLA-DR, HLA-DQ
Test category:
Immunology - Autoimmune
Use of test
Purpose:
HLA DR and DQ typing may be useful to add weight for the diagnosis of a variety of autoimmune diseases. Associations with disease vary by population background. HLA testing in these disorders is not diagnostic for any one particular disease, and does not exclude a particular disease.
Utility:
The test report will define the HLA DR and DQ type of the patient.
This is not a diagnostic test and the result does not prove or exclude a specific clinical diagnosis in an affected person.
Ethical considerations:
This is an assay for heritable variants which can alter the probability that a person will develop a disorder. The test result is not, in isolation, diagnostic of a disease and the test result is not necessarily clinically significant for the patient's relatives.
Methodology:
Analysis of the gene sequence of the relevant HLA gene for the presence of specific variants.
Requesting the test
Ordering:
This test can be requested by any medical practitioner.
Sample required:
4 mL blood in EDTA. Specimens may be collected by the requesting practitioner or at any Sonic Healthcare collection centre (see link below).
To help ensure the quality of the test, a genetic test should be done with a dedicated sample whenever possible i.e. a sample collected specifically for that test rather than a sample that is used for multiple tests.
We recommend that the patient or another adult check the labelling of request forms and sample tubes.
>Link to Sonic Healthcare collection centres
Special instructions:
Please specify the disorder/s of concern so that the laboratory can provide a useful interpretation.
Turnaround time:
10 business days.
Price:
This test has a Medicare rebate which, subject to the requirements of the Medicare descriptor being met, may cover all or part of the cost.
Rebate:
The Medicare details, including descriptor and schedule fee, are listed under MBS item 71151.