Field Safety Notice issued in relation to reagents used for HLA B27 testing

Further to the communication issued to transfusion laboratory managers on 9 September regarding the supplier field safety notice (PDF 132KB)

We have completed retesting patients where an original blood sample was available and to date all results issued have been correct. However in some cases where a sample is no longer available for testing it may be necessary to rebleed patients. If we require a second sample from your patients, you will be notified in writing.

In the unlikely event that the patient tests positive, a new report will be issued in Sp-ICE when retesting is complete.

You will not be charged for the retest.

We are continuing to test new patient referrals by an alternative method, but there may be a short delay in turnaround time for HLA B27 testing in the coming weeks until the supplier resolves the problem.

While this problem is ongoing the report format will be slightly different from your usual B27 report, however it will clearly state whether the patient has tested positive or negative. 

If you have any queries, please direct them to HINATNL@nhsbt.nhs.uk 

Dr Katy Latham, PhD FRCPath - Assistant Director of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics