Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Diagnosis

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• QWhat can I expect at a doctor's visit to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  When going to an appointment to diagnosis or evaluate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, be prepared with your medical history and a list of questions. Your doctor will need to know details about your symptoms, such as when they started and when they occur. Family medical history and all the medications you take will be noted. The doctor will give you a physical exam during which your joints, muscle strength and reflexes will be examined. Blood tests, x-ray or MRI may also be a part of the overall examination.

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• QWhat do the blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis reveal?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  In diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may order some blood tests to confirm what is discovered during the physical exam. There are several different tests that the doctor may choose from:

  • ESR-erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This shows that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. It may mean rheumatoid arthritis.
  • C-reactive protein levels. Also may show inflammation.
  • Rheumatoid factor. This is an antibody that the body produces in response to rheumatoid arthritis or other diseases.
  • Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Testing for these antibodies may be the most accurate test available for rheumatoid arthritis, since people without rheumatoid arthritis almost never have these antibodies.
• QWhat does the anti-CCP blood test measure with RA?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  The anti-CCP blood test, a new test for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), measures the level of antibodies that bind to citrulline modified proteins. These proteins tend to be elevated only in patients who have or will have RA. The anti-CCP blood test can be used to determine the severity of RA a person may experience.
• QAre there recommended blood tests to diagnose RA?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  A new test, which measure the levels of antibodies that bind to citrulline modified proteins (anti-CCP), is more specific and tends be elevated only in persons that have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other tests, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and c-reactive protein (CRP), can determine if imflammation is present but these tests are not specific to RA.
• QWho can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes be difficult. It may require a team effort between you and several types of healthcare professionals, including a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones, and muscles. Physical therapists, psychologists, and social workers can also play a role.