Is the test for hla-b27 gene a simple yes/no? remember my rheumatologist saying "highly elevated". perhaps inflammation markers or referring to gene?

Yes/no: HLA-B27 is a genetic test and the result should be yes or no. You are correct about inflammatory mediators, such as sed rate or C-reactive protein which are measured as a quantity and would be high with active inflammation.

HLA-B27: HLA-B27 is one normal variation of an ordinary gene. You get one HLA-B gene from your mother and one from your father. It is always qualitative, that is, YES or NO. Inflammatory markers like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein can vary in sick and healthy individuals and can be described as "highly elevated" when abnormal.

HLA-B27: HLA-B27 is associated with autoimmune and immune-mediated disorders: ankylosing spondylitis (AS), causes inflammation of bones at spine, & other locations. Causes inflammation of your joints, urethra, and eyes, sometimes skin issues. Genetics play a large role in this condition; over 90% +/- of those with AS have a particular marker that can be found on their white blood cells. See your doc-