Blood tests can help to confirm a diagnosis of arthritis but they are not a reliable diagnostic tool by themselves.

Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is notoriously difficult to diagnose because so many other conditions could cause the common symptoms of stiff and/or inflamed joints.

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms for a prolonged period then it’s time to consult your doctor:

•  Painful joints
•  Stiffness in your joints
•  Joint swelling
•  Difficulty in moving or manipulating joints

Your doctor will assess your symptoms and in order to help with their diagnosis they may order a blood test.

The number of arthritis sufferers in the UK is shocking and it’s taken a while for the medical establishment to catch up in terms of funding for the condition. However there are a number of medical charities that have been set up in the UK that not only offer support to arthritis sufferers, carers and their families but also help to fund research.

Every single charity offers something to arthritic patients including news, advice, helplines, support groups and events. There may be local groups in your area but listed in the link below are just a few of the nationwide charities.

Arthritis Blood Test

A blood test can only aid your doctor in making a diagnosis but is not proof of arthritis in itself. A sample of your blood will be taken and the following tests performed:

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

A sample of your red blood cells will be sent to a laboratory where they will be placed in a test tube filled with liquid. Healthy blood cells will sink slowly to the bottom. If you have an inflammatory condition which may indicate arthritis, then the red blood cells will sink faster than normal.

C-Reative Protein (CRP)

C-Reactive protein is produced in small amounts by your liver. Someone with an inflammation disease may have more of this protein in their blood.

Full Blood Count

Your red blood cells will be measured to check for anaemia. It has been noted that a significant majority (8 out of 10 arthritis sufferers) have anaemia, yet there are also many other causes for anaemia including a lack of iron in your diet.

The Rheumatoid Factor

Your blood will be checked for what is known as the Rheumatoid Factor which is an antibody present in 8 out of 10 sufferers of arthritis. However this antibody may not be present in those who are suffering from the early stages of the disease and it is possible for the Rheumatoid Factor to be found in those who do not have arthritis.

Anti-CCP

This is another antibody which is also present in the blood of those with arthritis and if the Rheumatoid Factor is not found, then your blood will also be checked for anti-CCP.

In conclusion therefore, blood tests for arthritis can give a good indication of whether or not you have developed the disease but any results must be looked at in relation to other symptoms too.

About Author : Anne is a former nurse with experience in care and choosing mobility equipment. She regulary writes about elderly issues and provides free help and advice from her experiences. Here is a usefull list of Arthritis Association and Charities in the UK which can also provide more advice on Arthritis and its affects.
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