Both tests are used to test disease activity; when they are high, this suggests that the disease is very active assuming no other causes for high results, such as infection, are present. A complete blood count CBC test looks at red and white blood cell counts. Below are the normal measurements in our lab — other labs may well have their own set of normal values.
The CBC tests help to inform the healthcare team about side effects of treatment and any secondary consequences of RA, such as anemia. A complete metabolic panel is used to monitor kidney and liver function, in order to assess whether changes to medication must be made or whether they are working well.
A complete metabolic panel measures sodium Na , potassium K , chloride, glucose, creatinine a measure of kidney function , and AST and ALT markers of liver function. Both the CBC and the complete metabolic panel are used to monitor disease activity as well as side effects and efficacy of medication. Laboratory tests provide important information in the diagnosis, management and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. By becoming informed about the normal values for tests, as well as their own numbers, patients with RA can better communicate with the health care team and gain a better understanding about some of the information that is used in developing and monitoring their treatment plans.
The results of these tests may be used in two ways: To confirm the presence of the RA. To determine how active the disease is. Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Another test which is ordered when rheumatoid arthritis is suspected is the anticyclic citrullinated peptide anti-CCP.
Sedimentation Rate Sedimentation rate also known as erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR , is a crude measure of inflammation. C-reactive Protein C-reactive protein is another measure of clinical inflammation.
Normal Values 3. You may need an RF test if you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These include: Joint pain Joint stiffness, especially in the morning Joint swelling Fatigue Low-grade fever. What happens during an RF test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? You don't need any special preparations for an RF test. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If rheumatoid factor is found in your blood, it may indicate: Rheumatoid arthritis Another autoimmune disease, such lupus , Sjogren's syndrome , juvenile arthritis , or scleroderma An infection, such as mononucleosis or tuberculosis Certain cancers, such as leukemia or multiple myeloma About 20 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis have little or no rheumatoid factor in their blood.
Is there anything else I need to know about an RF test? References Arthritis Foundation [Internet]. Atlanta: Arthritis Foundation; What is Osteoarthritis? Rheumatoid Factor; p. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Washington D. Arthritis; [updated Sep 20; cited Feb 28]; [about 3 screens]. Rheumatoid Arthritis; [updated Jan 9; cited Feb 28]; [about 3 screens]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— A doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of RA patients should diagnose and treat RA.
This is especially important because the signs and symptoms of RA are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other inflammatory joint diseases. Doctors who specialize in arthritis are called rheumatologists, and they can make the correct diagnosis. To find a provider near you, visit the database of rheumatologists external icon on the American College of Rheumatology ACR website.
RA can be effectively treated and managed with medication s and self-management strategies. Treatment for RA usually includes the use of medications that slow disease and prevent joint deformity, called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs DMARDs ; biological response modifiers biologicals are medications that are an effective second-line treatment.
In addition to medications, people can manage their RA with self-management strategies proven to reduce pain and disability, allowing them to pursue the activities important to them. People with RA can relieve pain and improve joint function by learning to use five simple and effective arthritis management strategies. Rheumatoid arthritis RA has many physical and social consequences and can lower quality of life.
It can cause pain, disability, and premature death. RA affects many aspects of daily living including work, leisure and social activities. Fortunately, there are multiple low-cost strategies in the community that are proven to increase quality of life.
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