Some information provided by The Arthritis Foundation
Although lab tests aren’t always needed for every form of arthritis, they are very important when it comes to verifying and confirming the presence of some diseases. Specialized blood profile used to detect inflammatory processes caused by joint and other connective tissue diseases such as arthritis and lupus erythematosus. Listed below are different types to be aware of:
Uric Acid, Serum
Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism (purines are building blocks of RNA and DNA). Most uric acid produced in the body is excreted by the kidneys. An overproduction of uric acid occurs when there is excessive breakdown of cells, which contain purines, or an inability of the kidneys to excrete uric acid. Increased uric acid blood levels and formation of uric acid crystals in the joints are associated with gout.
Anti-Streptolysin O
Anti-Streptolysin O detects antibodies which are produced after exposure to Group A streptococcus bacterial species. These bacteria can lead to joint and heart infections, and are responsible for rheumatic fever.
C-Reactive Protein
C-Reactive Protein produced by the liver in response to bacterial infections and inflammatory processes. A high level correlates with inflammation that is occurring in the body, but does not indicate where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. A C-reactive protein test can be used to monitor the activity of certain inflammatory conditions, such as polymyalgia rheumatica, inflammatory bowel disease, temporal arteritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate)
A measurement of the effects of gravity on red blood cells suspended in plasma. The higher the concentration of large molecules (such as inflammatory proteins) in the plasma, the longer it will take red blood cells to “fall,” and thus the longer the Sed Rate will be.
Rheumatoid Factor
Rheumatoid Factor detects antibodies commonly found in persons afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid factor may also be produced in other conditions however, and its presence is not diagnostic of RA.
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies detect antibodies to cell nuclei which are produced in certain disease states such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other chronic inflammatory processes.
Finally…
Not all forms of arthritis can be confirmed by lab tests. Other tests, including X-rays, various types of angiograms (studies of blood vessels) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be required to diagnose osteoarthritis, determine the cause of chronic back pain, or examine internal organs affected by some forms of arthritis.
Even so, lab tests are essential to the diagnostic and treatment process. The right tests, along with your doctor’s own observations and your participation in the process, can help you get the safest and most effective treatment for your disease. Contact us if you have any questions or to set up an appointment.
