Rheumatoid arthritis test involves an interview, physical exam, blood tests, and medical imaging to identify symptoms, risk factors, and levels of substances causing joint pain and swelling. Family history increases the risk of developing the disease. MRI or X-ray scans can reveal abnormalities and monitor treatment progress.
A rheumatoid arthritis test involves several types of exam. First, an interview is conducted to identify the patient’s symptoms and risk factors based on their medical history. A physical exam follows, in which the doctor looks for signs that show affected areas, as well as the degree to which the patient has rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests are then done to determine the levels of substances that lead to rheumatoid arthritis. Medical imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be included in the exams.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joints in the body to swell, resulting in pain and discomfort. The swelling is caused by the patient’s immune system, as antibodies in the bloodstream misidentify the lining of the joints as harmful elements and attack them. In addition to joint pain, cases of rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to feelings of fatigue and fever.
The first step of a rheumatoid arthritis test is an introductory interview, in which the patient identifies the various symptoms they experience. The patient’s medical history is also taken, allowing doctors to assess the risk factors involved in both the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. If a family member has the disorder, for example, the patient is more likely to develop it himself.
This is followed by a physical examination of the patient. This rheumatoid arthritis test allows doctors to see which areas of the body are affected, the most common of which are the small joints in the feet and hands. The physical examination also helps doctors spot the telltale signs of how serious the problem is. Swelling, redness, and range of motion give an idea of how much damage rheumatoid arthritis causes.
The brunt of a rheumatoid arthritis test comes in the blood lab work. Different blood samples are screened for a variety of identifying substances. High levels of the substances, which include rheumatoid arthritis factor, c-reactive protein, and antinuclear antibodies, all suggest the presence and degree of rheumatoid arthritis. Blood may also be used in another rheumatoid arthritis test for its erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which allows doctors to detect inflammation.
If other tests provide insufficient data, doctors may also recommend medical imaging tests. An MRI or X-ray scan can reveal abnormalities not detected by other tests. This type of rheumatoid arthritis test can be used to monitor the progress of treatment and to aid in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
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