Immunological Tests Used to Diagnose & Monitor Rheumatoid Arthritis

Doctors use a combination of immunological tests to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease is progressive and causes damage of the cartilage of the joints, as well as other symptoms throughout the body. Many of these tests used to diagnosis the condition need to be repeated to monitor the disease and alter the course of treatment if necessary.

C-Reactive Protein

• C-Reactive Protein monitors inflammation. This immunological test can help identify the rheumatoid arthritis and monitor the amount of inflammation in the body.

Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody

• Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody is an enzyme linked to immunosorbent assay. It is used in both diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Factor

• The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Immunological Test, sometimes accompanied by IgG and IgA testing, is a good identifier of those with rheumatoid arthritis since approximately 75 percent of those with the disease have RF.

Sedimentation Rate

• The Sedimentation Rate can monitor the activity of rheumatoid arthritis by measuring the red blood cells. This will not only tell whether you have the disease, but whether the current treatment is working.

Considerations

• While these are the most commonly used immunological tests to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis, doctors may find additional tests--like X-rays and MRIs--useful to identify and treat the disease.