Rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic tests

Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

Updated on September 08, 2024

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The diagnostic tests for rheumatoid arthritis include blood tests and X-ray examinations. Blood tests include a complete blood count, inflammatory markers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and screening for various antibodies such as rheumatoid factor, anti-O, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies. Additionally, if there is significant pain in the hand joints, an X-ray of the hand joints can be taken. The X-ray can show whether there is any destruction of bone, osteoporosis, or other manifestations of rheumatoid disease. Based on these tests, it is generally possible to diagnose the specific type of rheumatoid disease.

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Written by Liu Li Ning

Rheumatology

52sec

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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis drink red bean and coix seed beverage?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can drink red bean and coix seed beverage, which does not significantly affect the condition and is rich in proteins, potentially aiding in recovery. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease, related to infections by streptococci. With the widespread use of penicillin in recent years, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis has been decreasing. Currently, it is mainly seen in patients with recurrent streptococcal infections, such as those who frequently suffer from tonsillitis, which increases their likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should maintain a light diet and can appropriately consume more high-quality protein foods, such as lean meat, milk, and eggs, while avoiding or reducing spicy and stimulating foods.

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Written by Liu Li Ning

Rheumatology

44sec

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Rheumatoid arthritis hurts more at night or during the day?

The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is irregular. It can hurt at night or during the day, and it varies from person to person. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat related to streptococcal infection. Clinically, it mainly presents as migratory swelling and pain in the large joints of the limbs, generally without leaving joint deformities. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is related to streptococcal infection, so it requires treatment with penicillin antibiotics. During the acute phase, it is also recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used drugs include sustained-release capsules of diclofenac sodium, meloxicam, or etoricoxib.

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Written by Liu Li Ning

Rheumatology

1min 8sec

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Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by what?

Rheumatic arthritis is a type of infectious arthritis caused by streptococcal infection and is one of the clinical manifestations of rheumatism. It primarily presents as migratory pain in large joints, most commonly affecting the large joints of the lower limbs, such as the knees, ankles, wrists, etc. Since rheumatic arthritis is related to streptococcal infection, treatment mainly involves the use of penicillin drugs, commonly long-acting penicillin, which requires strict adherence to the treatment course to completely cure the streptococcal infection. During the acute phase, joint pain often occurs, hence the common use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac sodium and etoricoxib, to alleviate symptoms of pain. During acute episodes, bed rest is necessary, with attention to joint immobilization. During the remission period, getting out of bed and exercising is encouraged to restore joint function and flexibility. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

36sec

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Will rheumatoid arthritis RF be high?

Patients with rheumatic arthritis generally do not have elevated rheumatoid factor levels, but there may also be a slight, minor increase. Typically, high titers of positive rheumatoid factors are not present. If a patient with rheumatic arthritis has a significant increase in rheumatoid factor, that is, more than three times the normal value, we need to reconsider the diagnosis of rheumatic arthritis. At this point, further tests are required to refine the diagnosis, including ASO (anti-streptolysin O), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), anti-CCP antibody, and anti-AK antibody, to better determine whether the condition is rheumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

54sec

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis include, first, the presence of swelling and pain in multiple joints, especially characterized and significant in the smaller joints. Second, serological tests show elevated levels of antibodies, commonly rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. If both are elevated, it is most meaningful. Third, the duration of joint swelling and pain should be more than six weeks. Fourth, we must also check some inflammatory markers for joints, such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. If these markers are elevated, and the patient has swelling and pain in multiple joints, then we can consider a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.