Utility of in-house PCR for HLA-B27 typing: comparison of concordance rate between PCR kit and in-house PCR]

Background: Commercial kits of PCR method are widely used in HLA-B27 typing; however, their cost is relatively high. In this study, we evaluated the utility of an in-house PCR method by comparing it with that of a commercial kit. Methods: HLA-B27 typing was done in 188 patients by using two PCR methods, Absolute (TM) HLA-B27 PCR kit (Biosewoom, Korea) and an in-house PCR method. The primers used in the in-house method were prepared by Bioneer (Korea). Both PCR tests were done by Gene Amp PCR System 9600 (Perkin-Elmer Centus Corp., USA). Results: The commercial kit and in-house PCR showed 100% concordance rate with each other in HLA-B27 typing. Of 188 patients tested 72 (38.3%) were positive and 116 (61.7%) were negative by the both tests. Of 62 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, 50 were positive (80.7%). Conclusions : The in-house PCR is a reliable and cost-effective method and can replace or supplement commercial kits for HLA-B27 typing.