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Reference ranges (reference intervals) for blood tests are sets of values used by a health professional to interpret a set of medical test results from blood samples. Reference ranges for blood tests are studied within the field of clinical chemistry (also known as "clinical biochemistry", "chemical pathology" or "pure blood chemistry"), the ...
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. [1] It typically results in warm, swollen, and painful joints. [1] Pain and stiffness often worsen following rest. [1] Most commonly, the wrist and hands are involved, with the same joints typically involved on both sides of the body. [1]
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) are two more common blood tests when assessing for rheumatoid arthritis. [64] Imaging tests like X-rays are commonly utilized to diagnose and monitor arthritis. [67] Other imaging tests for rheumatoid arthritis that may be considered include computed tomography ...
RF is often evaluated in patients suspected of having any form of arthritis, even though positive results can be due to other causes and negative results do not rule out disease. In combination with signs and symptoms, it can play a role in both diagnosis and disease prognosis. It is part of the usual disease criteria of rheumatoid arthritis. [6]
Given that ACPA are more specific than rheumatoid factor, they are used to distinguish various causes of arthritis. [21] Novel assays may be useful for monitoring disease activity and effects of RA therapy. [22] The reference ranges for blood tests of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies are:
Laboratory testing, specifically microscopic synovial fluid examination, is a more accurate method of diagnosing arthritis. By performing a joint aspiration , physicians can check cell counts and look for signs of infection (bacteria/fungus) or crystal formation to determine which, if any, type of arthritis is present.
Tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are non-specific tests that can be done to corroborate the diagnosis of the syndrome. A blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27 may also be performed. About 75 percent of all the patients with reactive arthritis have this gene.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of degenerative joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. [5] [6] It is believed to be the fourth leading cause of disability in the world, affecting 1 in 7 adults in the United States alone. [7]