Tests & diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis
TESTING FOR RA:
Here are tests that your doctor may perform to determine if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA): Abnormal antibodies that are directed against the cell’s nuclei are ANA’s.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF): This test is often positive in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Your immune system produces proteins that can attack healthy tissue in your body. The test will measure the amount of the RF antibody. High levels of RF often mean there is an autoimmune disease present. Although, it is often common to test negative and have RA or other autoimmune disease. Sometimes, healthy people can test positive and not have autoimmune disease.
Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation (ESR): This test is used to indicate the level of inflammation activity present in the body. A high level indicates inflammation. Test is used to monitor activity and to see what is working, or not working in treatment.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): A test used to indicate inflammation in the body. A high level indicates inflammation. Test is used to monitor activity and to see what is working, or not working in treatment.
Anti -CCP: Due to some some people testing positive for rheumatoid factor (RF), doctors may test another antibody called the anti-cyclic citrullinated protein
Tests for Anemia, Vitamin D and B levels: Deficiencies in Vitamin D and B is common. Good to get levels checked.
X-ray Imaging: to detect joint damage. X-rays, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging scan. Doctors will be looking for joint damage, erosions. Biopsy of synovial tissue and genetic marker tests may be used.
Citations: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Rheumatoid-Arthritis
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ccp/tab/test/
Here are tests that your doctor may perform to determine if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA): Abnormal antibodies that are directed against the cell’s nuclei are ANA’s.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF): This test is often positive in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Your immune system produces proteins that can attack healthy tissue in your body. The test will measure the amount of the RF antibody. High levels of RF often mean there is an autoimmune disease present. Although, it is often common to test negative and have RA or other autoimmune disease. Sometimes, healthy people can test positive and not have autoimmune disease.
Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation (ESR): This test is used to indicate the level of inflammation activity present in the body. A high level indicates inflammation. Test is used to monitor activity and to see what is working, or not working in treatment.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): A test used to indicate inflammation in the body. A high level indicates inflammation. Test is used to monitor activity and to see what is working, or not working in treatment.
Anti -CCP: Due to some some people testing positive for rheumatoid factor (RF), doctors may test another antibody called the anti-cyclic citrullinated protein
Tests for Anemia, Vitamin D and B levels: Deficiencies in Vitamin D and B is common. Good to get levels checked.
X-ray Imaging: to detect joint damage. X-rays, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging scan. Doctors will be looking for joint damage, erosions. Biopsy of synovial tissue and genetic marker tests may be used.
Citations: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Rheumatoid-Arthritis
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ccp/tab/test/