Archive for the ‘ESR’ tag
Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis
What determines a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis? Is there a blood test that indicates an accurate diagnosis? While there is no one blood test that accurately diagnoses rheumatoid arthritis, there are a set of guidelines which include blood tests and examinations to distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
A rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is a clinical diagnosis and must include, in addition to blood tests, an examination of other factors-especially affected joints. Factors such as morning stiffness greater than one hour, symmetric joints affected, usually three or more joints affected especially in the hands, wrist, ankles, knees, or elbows, or only two symmetrical joints affected plus a positive RF test, are required to determine a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Blood tests alone are inconclusive for an accurate diagnosis and all factors must be evaluated together.
Several blood tests are used for rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is used to detect the presence of the rheumatoid factor anti-body. This test is not always accurate, but when present, especially with a high factor, indicates the severity of the disease in a patient.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or "sedrate" test measures the presence of inflammation and is used to monitor treatment as well as an initial indicator that the arthritis symptoms may be from rheumatoid arthritis instead of osteoarthritis.
The anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody) test is a new and useful test especially in early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
The antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA, and anti-Sm tests are useful in distinguishing between rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is ordered to detect when acute inflammation is present.
A complete blood count (CBC) test is also usually ordered both for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as well as for monitoring the progression of the disease and treatment. This test is useful for monitoring anemia, detecting the presence of infection or inflammation, and for distinguishing between the causes of inflammation.
While this list is not a complete list of all blood tests used in a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, it covers the major tests used today. Since a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is a clinical diagnosis all these factors must be included for an accurate diagnosis. None of the blood tests alone are conclusive for an accurate diagnosis and all factors must be evaluated together for each individual case.