• 06 August, 2023
• By Admin

The Test To Diagnose Your Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of the joints that,  if left untreated, has the potential to greatly reduce the patient’s quality of life. If you have chronic pain that is localized in joints and accompanied by swelling and stiffness, it is advisable to consult a physician. Diagnostics plays an important role in management and treatment and therefore requires to be done accurately. Here's a breakdown of the common tests used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis:

List of Tests to Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis

Physical Examination

• During the physical examination, the doctor will check your joint tenderness, swelling, and mobility of your joints. 
• They may also look for signs of other conditions, such as weakness, flu-like symptoms, and weight loss.  

Blood Tests

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF): This test shows the presence of rheumatoid factor, which is an antibody associated with this disease in most cases of RA. Nonetheless, it is not always beneficial to people with RA. 
• Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP) Antibodies: These antibodies are the specific ones for RA, and they are always present in the sera of RA patients. 
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP): These tests determine cytokines, which are proteins that also relate to inflammation in your body. Abnormalities in these levels can mean the existence of such an inflammatory ailment as RA. 

Imaging Tests

• X-rays: As in the case of any other disease, X-rays, when repeated over time, may depict the progressed state of joint tissue destructiveness in patients diagnosed   RA. 
•  Ultrasound: It is useful in visualizing inflammation, increased fluid levels, and erosions of joint bones. 
•  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI gives the clinician better views of the joint area, enabling him to diagnose inflammation and damage in the area better. 

Synovial Fluid Analysis

• Your doctor may advise you to undergo joint aspiration if they are inclined towards RA in order to obtain synovial fluid from the affected joint. 
• It can also contain inflammation and crystals of other illnesses, such as gout, and can be tested for these. 

Other Tests

• Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA): For instance, ANAs are not disease-specific for RA but may be present in other diseases. 
• Complementary Tests: Your doctor may, however, recommend other tests to exclude other possible causes of your symptoms, which can be due to infections or metabolic derangement. 

In Unipath Lab, we have all rheumatoid arthritis tests, including blood tests, imaging, and studies. The healthcare professionals working for our facility are committed to giving you step-by-step direction regarding your condition or ailment. 

The diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis should be done as soon as possible in order to control the symptoms and avoid damage to the joints. If you feel you are in pain, or you feel joint pains or otherwise, you can consult with your health professional.