Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

Obtaining a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult—especially in the early stages of the condition. Because the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary so widely, they often mimic or are mistaken for those of other conditions. In addition, there is not any single blood test or imaging test that can determine for certain that a person is affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

If you think that you have rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to see a medical professional who specializes in autoimmune diseases. They will be in the best position to connect the dots between your various symptoms and ensure that everything is taken into account when making a diagnosis.

A healthcare provider will usually begin by assessing a patient’s symptoms. They will look specifically for joint symptoms, but will also be on the lookout for any other medical issues that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Though no one test can determine for sure that an individual has rheumatoid arthritis, there are a few tests that can give medical professionals clues about what is going on in the body to cause certain symptoms. A healthcare provider or specialist may perform the following tests¹⁵ to ensure an accurate diagnosis:

• Rheumatoid factor test: Rheumatoid factors are antibodies found in many patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. However, the presence of rheumatoid factors alone is not sufficient to diagnose the disease: some patients with rheumatoid arthritis do not produce them, and they can also be present in patients with other autoimmune diseases.
• Anti-CCP test: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) is another antibody found commonly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It can be present in a patient’s body before they begin to show any signs or symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, helping professionals detect the condition early on.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein test: These tests measure the level of inflammation in a patient’s joints. If these numbers are high (and a patient shows other symptoms of having rheumatoid arthritis), it is much easier for a specialist to diagnose the disease.
• Imaging scans: Depending on the medical professional and the symptoms a patient exhibits, imaging tests, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and/or ultrasound, may be used to check for signs of rheumatoid arthritis. In most cases, these tests are performed in order to find evidence of joint inflammation and/or damage. If a patient is experiencing symptoms in other parts of their body, these tests may be used to determine the extent and type of damage done.

In addition to these tests, healthcare providers will ask the patient for detailed information about their family and personal medical histories. Because people who have close relatives with rheumatoid arthritis have a greater risk of developing the condition themselves, doctors may ask about:

• Close family members who have (or have had) rheumatoid arthritis
• Family members who have had other autoimmune diseases or conditions
• Any of the patient’s existing or previous autoimmune diagnoses
• Other of the patient’s other medical conditions, diagnoses, or health issues

Answers to these questions not only help a medical professional make the right diagnosis, but also help ensure that they do not miss any symptoms along the way.

Your healthcare provider will look at all of the evidence combined before making any final diagnoses. Since it’s possible to have rheumatoid arthritis without certain antibodies and without having the condition in your family, it’s important to note all key evidence and weigh it accordingly before making any decisions about a diagnosis.