Arthritis Test | Aster Labs

Arthritis Tests Overview

Arthritis is a medical condition that causes cartilage loss in joints across the body. The most commonly affected joints from arthritis are the knees, elbows, and shoulder joints. As many would know, there are two arthritis types namely rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Both these conditions have similar effects on joints, but they differ in terms of their nature, as rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. A blood test for rheumatoid arthritis is used by doctors to determine whether the symptoms caused are due to an autoimmune condition or not. Arthritis is a very painful condition and leaving it unchecked can worsen the pain, making it almost impossible to stand, move, and go about your daily life.

Why Are Arthritis Tests Prescribed?

Arthritis tests are prescribed for both reasons: to screen the condition and to diagnose symptoms. This is mainly because arthritis, both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, are very common in India, especially among women. The screening efforts allow doctors to know the arthritis risk in patients and can help them offer preventative medical advice, which may delay or prevent the onset of arthritis. The results of arthritis tests are crucial for doctors to diagnose the condition and create a treatment plan. Some of the common symptoms of arthritis that warrant doctors to recommend arthritis tests are joint pain, redness, stiffness, and skin discolouration on joints. A family history of arthritis is also an important risk factor, which warrants doctors to recommend getting a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis.

How Are Arthritis Tests Performed?

Arthritis tests are performed as blood tests. The procedure involves drawing blood from the veins in the patient’s arms and sending it for testing. Apart from blood tests, synovial fluid tests can also be used by doctors to diagnose arthritis. The procedure for performing this test is different from blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis and is mentioned in detail on its relevant test page.

Home Sample Collection

Joint pain caused by arthritis can hinder a patient’s movements, making it difficult to visit our diagnostic centres. To help our patients get the medical help they need without having to move out of the house, we offer home sample collection services. Simply opt for home sample collection at the time of test booking, and our experts will visit your location at a predetermined time to help you with the sample collection process.

How To Prepare For Arthritis Tests?

Arthritis tests may require patients to fast before the test. To learn more about the prerequisites of lab tests for arthritis, be sure to talk to your doctors or our centre personnel after test booking. You can check out the prerequisites of blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis on our website.

What Do Arthritis Test Results Mean?

Arthritis often requires both diagnostic testing and imaging tests to diagnose the condition with certainty. For some arthritis tests, the results are presented as levels of the tested element in your body, compared to the normal level. For other tests, the results are expressed as either positive or negative.