Test Components:

The Arthritis Screening Panel includes the following tests:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
2. Chemistry Panel (16 essential tests)
3. Sedimentation Rate, Westergren
4. C-Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity)
5. Rheumatoid Factor
6. Antinuclear Antibodies

Description:

This panel includes a number of tests that give you and your doctor information to help you determine if you have a connective tissue or auto-immune disorder (such as arthritis).

The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test is primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause joint pain, inflammation, stiffness and others. It is commonly ordered with other tests like the CRP (C-Reactive Protein) and a CBC.

The C-Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity) is a protein that increases during systemic inflammation. This panel tests this level to assess any cardiovascular or heart disease risk.

In addition, this panel includes an Antinuclear Antibodies test, which measures the amount of abnormal antibodies that hurt the body's tissues.

This panel also includes a CBC, which measures important parameters of the cellular makeup of your blood that can reveal anemia, signs of infection or other factors that may cause fatigue; a Chemistry Panel, which analyzes electrolytes, sugar, proteins, and enzymes including sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose and liver/kidney function tests; and a Sedimentation Rate, which detects and monitors inflammation in the body.

Why Do I Need It?:

Do your joints hurt? Do you have body stiffness? It could be arthritis or other body inflammation. There are nearly three times as many women with rheumatoid arthritis than men…and it usually begins between your 30s and 60s. But anyone can get rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.

Get a clearer picture of your health today at ANY LAB TEST NOW®.

Other Relevant Tests:

Many customers that purchase the Arthritis Screening Panel also consider the Comprehensive Male Panel or the Comprehensive Female Panel.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

High Results Indicate:

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): See individual test.

CHEMISTRY PANEL: See individual test.

SEDIMENTATION RATE: See individual test.

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (hs-CRP): See individual test.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FACTOR: See individual test.

ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODIES: High levels could indicate an auto-immune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or Addison disease. Levels could also be elevated if you have a lung disease or gastrointestinal disease.

Low Results Indicate:

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): See individual test.

CHEMISTRY PANEL: See individual test.

SEDIMENTATION RATE: See individual test.

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (hs-CRP): See individual test.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FACTOR: See individual test.

ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODIES: Levels lower than normal are not considered to be significant, but should be reported to your physician.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

You should see your primary care physician who may refer you to a rheumatologist.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)