Arthritis Detect

What it is:
The Arthritis Detect panel is a simplified screening test that helps identify common inflammatory and autoimmune causes of arthritis. It includes key blood markers useful in the initial evaluation of patients with joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.

Common Components

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF): Detects antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis

• Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Antibodies: Highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Marker of inflammation

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Measures active inflammation

• Uric Acid: Helps detect gout

Uses

• Screen for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and inflammatory arthritis

• Differentiate between autoimmune vs. non-autoimmune joint pain

• Guide further testing if results are abnormal

• Monitor disease activity in known arthritis patients

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

• Persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

• Morning stiffness > 30 minutes

• Recurrent joint inflammation or flare-ups

• Sudden painful swelling of the big toe, ankle, or knee (suggestive of gout)

• Systemic symptoms like fatigue, low-grade fever, or weight loss

Abnormal Results

• Positive RF and/or Anti-CCP: Suggests rheumatoid arthritis

• High ESR/CRP: Indicates active inflammation (not disease-specific)

• High Uric Acid: Suggests gout

• Normal results: May point toward osteoarthritis or non-inflammatory causes of joint pain

Risks

• Minimal, since it is a routine blood test

• Mild pain, bruising, or bleeding at puncture site

• Rarely dizziness or infection