Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Canadians?

Canadians,

Have you been able to get HLA testing in Canada? Did you meet with any resistance? My friend would like to have some tests done (B27 among 2-3 others) and her GP has informed her that those tests are only done in research, and they can't be ordered! This sounds like lunacy to me... but I am not familiar with the Canadian health care system. My friend is in Alberta, if that helps. Any info/direction is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

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Kristin

Kristin,
My rheumy ordered the test done because I asked him to.There was no problem.They did the blood work the same day.I'll be getting the results on my next visit.

Your friend is in Alberta .Don't know if that makes a difference that I am in Manitoba.
Each province may have their own set of health rules.
Ray

Hi Kristin,
I'm in BC and cannot get any Dr. to order the test for me. Neither can my mom, who has the same symptoms.
My Aunt, also in BC, had a sore back one day, mentioned that there was a possibility of AS in the family, and had the test done that day! (Turned out to be a disc problem, but she was positive for the gene.)
I still can't get a firm diagnosis, but my dr has no problem putting me on all sorts of drugs for AS! Seems sketchy to me.
They CAN be ordered, but with alot of resistance.
- Megan

Hi Kristin
Shug and I were living in Alberta when he was diagnosed with AS. At the time we didn't know what it was so didn't know what tests to ask for. He was tested at the same time as lots of other tests, so no problems there, the test was done without us even asking for it, so yes it can be done without a problem!

Take care
Jackie

Fairies are invisible and inaudible like angels, but their magic sparkles in nature.

I had HLA testing done 9 years ago in Nova Scotia, ordered by our family doctor. I didn't have to ask. He just ordered a battery of things, bone scan, xrays, blood work etc... he had diagnosed AS in my mother 6 months prior, same sorts of testing, we had never even heard of AS until he had her tested for it.

Jennifer

Meow and the world meows with you... hiss and you hiss alone....

I got HLA testing in 1996 without any problem. Health service in Quebec is run by the Government so any test the doc prescribes is rarely refused.
I think her doc just doesn't want to make her pass this test as they are expensive, so I doubt very much they are only done in research in Alberta as in anywhere else in Canada.
mars

I had to convince my old gp in 1992 to do the test, but my sister just had it done a week or so ago here in Ontario, with just a simple request. Helps that I am positive and we have the same gp. She'll have the results on her next visit Aug 2.

Doug

Buster & Alisha taking a break

I had a Rhemy order me the test the first time i visited him in 98..Then I test positive and he says it is meaningless, so go figure!! Doctors anger me, so i'm the wrong guy to talk to!!..

Thank you all so much for your replies. I thought it sounded a little off that they were only done for research purposes!!!

Does anyone have direct or indirect experience with testing other than HLA-B27??

Thanks again.. You guys are great!!

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Kristin

K:

I'm wondering what the 'other' part of 'among others' was. Any possibility that those were research related?

As many have already told you, HLA-B27 is quite accessible IF you have an index of suspicion. In a place where health care is accessible to all, some docs might be a bit more concerned about about ordering tests that look out of order. I dont know what your friends situation was, but this might explain part of it.

I view the blood requisions at the center that I work at daily. What else is your friend looking for?

Hope all is well with you.
Jeanna

MADE IN CANADA