Description

Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints. There are multiple reasons for the inflammation and treatment varies related to the cause of the inflammation. It is helpful to begin with testing for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus/autoimmune screening. Certainly there are more detailed testing that can be done if necessary. Most arthritis causes joint pain but the causes are vastly different.

This panel includes the following test:

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

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Factor

Fasting not required.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

An "Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen with Reflex to Titer and Pattern Test" is used to help diagnose autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, by detecting the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood, which can indicate the body's immune system is attacking its own tissues; if the initial screen is positive, further testing is done to determine the exact level (titer) and pattern of these antibodies to better identify the specific autoimmune condition involved.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is used in arthritis diagnosis, particularly for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, as a marker of systemic inflammation in the body, helping doctors assess the severity of the inflammatory process within the joints and monitor treatment effectiveness by tracking changes in CRP levels; a high CRP level indicates significant inflammation present.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Factor – Rheumatoid factor is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. The test may also help diagnose an arthritis-related condition, Sjogren's Syndrome. About 80% to 90% of patients with this syndrome have high amounts of RA in their blood.