Blood tests
are one of the most common diagnostic tools used in the management of arthritis. Understanding the tests your rheumatologist is prescribing will help you better understand your condition and help you discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Arthritis can make tasks like typing difficult.
Function
Blood tests are given to arthritis patients to evaluate the kind of arthritis they have, to monitor the progress of the disease and to test whether prescribed medications are having a positive effect.
Types
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are the three main kinds of arthritis affecting patients today. Blood tests are more common in rheumatoid arthritis patients but are also performed on those with osteoarthritis.
Indicators of Inflammation
There are four common tests for evaluating inflammation. According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Library of Medicine, high levels of the C-Reactive Protein test or white blood cell count indicate inflammation. A high rate on the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test also indicates infection, while low levels of the hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hgb) tests (which examine red blood cells) are indicators of inflammation.
Diagnostic Tests
Two blood tests, the Rheumatoid Factor and the Anti-CCP Antibody Test, are used by rheumatologists for diagnostic purposes. Positive results for these tests are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. However, negative results do not necessarily rule out the disease. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have negative Rheumatoid Factors, so talk to your doctor if you have questions about your test results.
Other Considerations
As anemia is a common side effect of arthritis, your doctor may request a test to evaluate the levels of iron and red blood cells in your blood. Certain medications used in the treatment of arthritis are stressful on organs like the kidneys and liver, so kidney function and liver enzyme tests are often prescribed to monitor the patient's progress.
Tags: Blood tests, your doctor, arthritis patients, blood cells, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis