Common diagnostic tests used to diagnose problems within the musculoskeletal system use blood and urine samples. Both can reveal levels of various minerals and other substances indicating disease or a musculoskeletal disorder. Levels of certain proteins in the blood may also help diagnose a disease. Other tests include a bone or muscle biopsy, analysis of joint fluid and measurement of muscle or nerve function.
These tests range from general blood tests supporting RA instead of another cause to an RA-specific blood test for rheumatoid factor. When necessary, invasive tests like biopsies or joint fluid testing may supplement blood test...
Patients suffering from RA experience inflammation of the joints causing stiffness and pain that can be debilitating. Because these symptoms of RA are similar to other diseases, doctors perform a variety of tests to help them d...
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and it can develop at any age. There is no specific test to definitively ...
If you think you have arthritis it is important to see your doctor to be properly diagnosed. Different types of arthritis call for different treatment programs. Two of the more common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and r...
This antibody forms immune complexes in the body that contribute to the autoimmune reaction against the linings of the joints that is the hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of the rheumatoid factor can be determined...
