Rheumatoid arthritis has been a widely known disease for quite some time already. All the facts about this disease have been provided over many access sites and over medical books. One wouldn't find a hard time knowing the essentials about Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extensive research could now be done over the internet. However, it is still best to visit a physician after your own search.

The blood test for rheumatoid arthritis comes in various types. All have there own specifications and uses; and all are important in aiding the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Blood test for rheumatoid arthritis is one of the confirmatory tests designed to locate an existing disease. It should never be thrown off the list as one of the most important indicators of a current condition.

Blood Test for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Four Categories

There are four categories in the blood test for rheumatoid arthritis, and these are: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, and plasma viscosity.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate would tell a person the degree of inflammation in the body. It is done by using a test tube and letting the blood fall through it; a very fast fall indicates inflammation in the body. For normal healthy people, the sedimentation rate is low. Although this test isn't specific to any disease, it points to a major "heat up" in the body. Rheumatoid factor shows positive in 70-90 percent of rheumatoid arthritis cases. The test only appears to be positive if the condition is severe. On the other hand, C - reactive protein works like the ERS. It isn't that specific but still shows if irritation is existing or not in the system. Plasma viscosity test is a recent type of diagnostic procedure which also tells about inflammation.

Whichever the doctor chooses to use, the diagnosis through blood test for rheumatoid arthritis is proven to be effective and is also very essential. Over many years, these tests have been used in hospitals to aid the physician in finding out the cause of the symptoms. Most importantly, your physician's discretion on your illness should be properly and keenly evaluated.

Blood Test for Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Essentials

Before subjecting yourself to any procedure, it is of maximum importance to know any preparations prior to the test. Laboratory personnel are knowledgeable with these instructions and thus should be consulted upon. Also, do not fail to bring back your reports to the physician. After all, he is the only person whom you can turn to for an advice with regards to your condition.