Description

Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It can result from a wide range of underlying causes—including autoimmune diseases, metabolic conditions, infections, and even muscle or endocrine disorders. Determining the specific cause of joint symptoms is essential for selecting the most effective treatment plan.

This advanced panel evaluates a broad set of biomarkers to assist in diagnosing and differentiating between multiple types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, Sjogren’s syndrome, and viral arthritis, as well as conditions that mimic arthritis, such as muscle inflammation and endocrine disorders.

Included Biomarkers and Tests:

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen with Reflex to Titer and Pattern

  • Detects autoantibodies commonly present in autoimmune diseases like lupus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disease.
  • Reflexes to a titer and pattern analysis if positive, providing more specific diagnostic clues.

🔬 C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

  • A sensitive marker of inflammation used to detect disease activity and monitor response to therapy.

Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) Antibodies

  • Highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); often present in early or aggressive RA.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Evaluates for anemia, infection, and other systemic effects of inflammation.

Creatine Kinase (CPK)

  • Elevated levels may indicate muscle inflammation (myositis), which can mimic or co-occur with arthritis.

🔬 Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Intact with Calcium

  • Assesses parathyroid function and calcium balance; abnormal levels can cause musculoskeletal symptoms.

Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM Antibodies

  • Detects recent or past viral infections, which can cause transient arthritis, particularly in children and young adults.

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

  • An antibody often found in rheumatoid arthritis, though it may also be elevated in other autoimmune diseases.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

  • A general marker of inflammation used alongside CRP for disease assessment and monitoring.

Sjogren's Syndrome Antibodies (Anti-SS-A/Ro and Anti-SS-B/La)

  • Identifies Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, dry eyes, and dry mouth.

Uric Acid

  • Elevated levels may suggest gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposition in joints.

Test Preparation:

  • Fasting: Not required
  • Sample Type: Blood (venipuncture)

Recommended For Individuals With:

  • Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Suspected autoimmune arthritis (e.g., lupus, RA, Sjogren's)
  • Unexplained muscle pain or fatigue
  • Suspected gout or metabolic bone disease
  • Symptoms following viral illness
  • Family history of autoimmune conditions

Clinical Use Cases:

  • Differentiating types of arthritis and connective tissue diseases
  • Identifying autoimmune markers
  • Assessing inflammation and systemic involvement
  • Ruling out viral or endocrine-related causes of joint pain
  • Guiding treatment decisions and specialist referrals