Diagnosis of RA

Diagnosis:

There is not a test to determine rheumatoid arthritis but there are two tests that can help diagnose it.

1.  Rheumatoid Factor Test
2. Anti-CCP Antibody Test

The Rheumatoid Factor Test is a blood test that measures the amount of rheumatoid factor antibody in the blood. If the blood that is tested is abnormal there is a high amount of rheumatoid factor present, however, not everyone with higher levels of the rheumatoid factor have rheumatoid arthritis. People with scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, adult still's disease, dermatomyositis, and sarcoidosis can also have higher levels of rheumatoid factor. Besides these diseases  higher levels can also be seen in those with:

•  aids
•  hepatitis
• influenza
•  infectious mononucleosis
•  some kidney diseases
•  bacterial infections
• parasite infections
• leukemia
• myeloma
• lung and liver disease

Even in some cases people who are completely healthy may have higher rheumatoid factors, therefore, relying solely on the rheumatoid factor test will not determine rheumatoid arthritis. The second test to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, the anti-CCP antibody test, is a blood test similar to the rheumatoid factor test. Other tests could also include: a synovial fluid analysis, which is done by drawing synovial fluid from a joint through a needle into a syringe, another could be erythrocyte sedimentation rate which is a blood test. This test measures how fast erythrocytes (red blood cells) fall down a tube. Along with these, x-rays and MRIs are also usually done to see if there is any joint deformation. In addition a discussion of a person's medical history with a physical examination  is done to see whether or not there is any swelling, warmth, pain, or tenderness.




 X-ray of the deformities in the small joints of the hand caused by rheumatoid arthritis.