Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis is most often sufficient based on history and physical examination. However, X-rays and other invasive tests give great clues about the prognosis and the stage of this disease.
The disease starts with vague symptoms and hence takes time for exact diagnosis early on in the disease. There is no single diagnostic test to confirm Rheumatoid Arthritis, therefore, there are many features tested to determine whether the person has this disease or some other joint issue. Some of the tests that are carried out are mentioned below;
A) Blood Tests
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- Levels of C-reactive Protein- The levels of C-reactive protein always increase when inflammatory processes are happening inside the body. Therefore, increased markers represent that the person could be suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Rheumatoid Factor- The most important determinant of Rheumatoid Arthritis is the rheumatoid factor, which rises slowly, and is detected a little later in the stages of the disease.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate- The ESR levels raise due to the amount of inflammation happening inside the body.
- Anti-Citrulline Antibodies- These are specific biomarkers for the distinction of Rheumatoid Disease as opposed to any other joint disease.
