Arthritis Profile £ 250.00

Description


Full Blood Count (FBC), Erythrocytes sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Anti-DNA antibody screen (ADNA) Urate (URA)

 

Note: Clinic Express strongly advises that all laboratory results are interpreted by your own Consultant or General Practitioner.

 

What is it?


The profile is made up of a series of tests whose aim is to determine the cause of arthritis symptoms, i.e. joint pain, inflammation and stiffness.
The main types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis – “wear and tear” of the joints
Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease
Juvenile arthritis – affects children’s joints and other organs
Gout – a condition characterised by high levels of uric acid
Other autoimmune diseases e.g. SLE (systemic lupus erythmatosus)

 

The following tests are performed:

 

Full Blood Count (FBC): see FBC

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): a non-specific marker of inflammation used in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of rheumatoid disease. The ESR is usually raised in inflammatory disease.

C-Reactive protein (CRP): a marker of inflammation whose concentration rises in the bloodstream within hours of the start of any inflammatory process in the body. It is a non-specific but sensitive indicator of inflammation, infection or trauma. CRP is usually raised in inflammatory disease.

Rheumatoid factor: 65 – 85% of adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis have a positive rheumatoid factor test. Although 3% of the general population will have a positive test, only 5% of these will develop rheumatoid arthritis. A positive test is also found in other autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome.

Anti-DNA antibody: at high levels, found characteristically in patients with arthritis due to SLE. Can infrequently be found at low levels in patients with other autoimmune diseases.

Urate (uric acid): elevated in persons suffering from gout (a metabolic disorder which results in the build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream).

 

Who should be tested?

Testing would be advisable for persons with symptoms of arthritic disease i.e. painful, stiff and inflamed joints. Testing would also be advisable for persons suffering from psoriasis.

 

You should discuss these findings with your Doctor, as he/she will be able to discuss the further steps regarding diagnosis and treatment.

 

Who Should be Tested?
Testing would be advisable for persons with symptoms of arthritic disease i.e. painful, stiff and inflamed joints. Testing would also be advisable for persons suffering from psoriasis.

 


Next Step
You should discuss these findings with your Doctor, as he/she will be able to discuss the further steps regarding diagnosis and treatment.

 

 

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