Rheumatoid Arthritis Panel

  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • General Health & Wellness
  • Allergy & Inflammation
    • Cpt Codes
    • 86200
    • 86141
    • 85025
    • 80053
    • 85652
    • 86431
    • 84550

    what is Rheumatoid Arthritis Panel and why is it important?

    This comprehensive panel evaluates key markers associated with rheumatoid arthritis and provides insights into overall inflammation and general health. It includes tests like ANA (Antinuclear antibodies), Anti-CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) Antibodies, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Rheumatoid Factor (RF), and Uric Acid. This panel offers a broad view of your health status relevant to inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, aiding in diagnosis and management.
    • If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in smaller joints like hands and feet.
    • If joint stiffness is worse in the mornings and lasts for more than 30 minutes.
    • If you have unexplained fatigue, low-grade fever, or a general feeling of being unwell, which can be associated with inflammatory conditions.
    • If a healthcare provider suspects an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, or to monitor disease activity if already diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Individuals experiencing joint pain and stiffness: Especially if symptoms are persistent, affect multiple joints, are worse in the morning, or accompanied by fatigue and swelling.
    • Those with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases: Genetic factors can increase risk.
    • People seeking comprehensive health insights: This panel includes general wellness markers (CBC, CMP) alongside specific markers for inflammation and autoimmune activity.
    • Individuals looking to monitor inflammatory markers: Tests like hs-CRP and ESR can provide insights into general inflammation levels and cardiovascular risk.

    Commonly Used For Diagnosis Of

    • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This panel includes highly specific markers like Anti-CCP antibodies and Rheumatoid Factor (RF), which are crucial for the diagnosis and prognosis of RA, distinguishing it from other forms of arthritis.
    • Other Autoimmune Conditions: The ANA test serves as a broad screening tool for various autoimmune diseases, many of which can present with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Systemic Inflammation: Markers such as ESR and hs-CRP provide insights into general inflammatory processes within the body, which are elevated in active rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
    • Overall Health & Organ Function: The CBC and CMP components assess blood health, organ function (kidney, liver), electrolytes, and metabolic status, which can be affected by chronic inflammatory diseases or their treatments.
    • Gout and Other Arthropathies: Uric Acid levels help in differentiating gout, another form of inflammatory arthritis, from RA, aiding in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

    Caution

    It's important to remember that abnormal results from this panel do not automatically diagnose a specific condition. These tests provide valuable information that, when combined with your symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination, help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional.