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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) : Tests

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A specific blood test is available for diagnosing RA and distinguishing it from other types of arthritis. It is called the anti-CCP antibody test. Other tests that may be done include: Complete blood count; C-reactive protein; Erythrocyte sediment...
Source:ADAM
Date:February 22, 2009
There are no tests available that can absolutely diagnose RA. Instead, a number of tests exist that can suggest the diagnosis of RA. Blood tests include a special test of red blood cells (called erythrocyte sedimentation rate ), which is positive ...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
In addition to the important characteristic pattern of symptoms, many tests may be used to support the diagnosis. Laboratory tests may include rheumatoid factor, white blood cell count, a blood test for anemia, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR,...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part II
There are no tests available that can absolutely diagnose RA. Instead, a number of tests exist that can suggest the diagnosis of RA. Blood tests include a special test of red blood cells, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is positive in ne...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body; Palpation (feeling the body with hands; Auscultation (listening to sounds; Percussion (producing sounds.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 23, 2009
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is a test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body. However, it rarely leads directly to a specific diagnosis.
Source:ADAM
Date:May 7, 2009
The sedimentation rate test, also called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or sed rate test, measures the speed at which the red blood cells (erythrocytes or RBCs) separate from the liquid part of the blood (plasma) and settle to the bottom in a tube of anticoagulated blood.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or sedimentation rate (sed rate), is a measure of the settling of red blood cells in a tube of blood during one hour. The rate is an indication of inflammation and increases in many diseases.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following: The number of red blood cells (RBCs; The number of white blood cells (WBCs; The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood; The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit; The size of the red blood cells (mean corpuscular volume, or MCV. The CBC test also provides specific information the size and hemoglobin content of individual red blood cells. This is determined from the additional following measurements: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH; Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC. The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC. See also: Red blood cell (RBC) count; White blood cell (WBC) count.
Source:ADAM
Date:August 10, 2008
One of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count (CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood (plasma). It involves determining the numbers, concentrations, and conditions of the different types of blood cells.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices . The hematocrit is the percentage of blood by volume that is occupied by the red cells (i.e., the packed red cell volume). Red blood cell indices are calculations derived from the red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit that aid in the diagnosis and classification of anemia.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood (red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the "complete blood count" (CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic (low red cell count), has an infection (increased white blood cells), or has abnormal blood coagulation (platelet levels). The CBC examines the total number of red blood cells (RBC) and the RBC indices, including: the mean corpuscular volume (MCV); the concentration of hemoglobin, measured by the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and its concentration (MCHC); and the hematocrit, which is the mean packed-cell volume of red cells. The total white blood cell (leukocyte) count, the various types of leukocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), and platelets are also measured. J ONATHAN R. K ELLER M ARIAESTELA O RTIZ ( SEE ALSO : Hematocrit ; Hemoglobin ; Laboratory Services )
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices . The hematocrit is the percentage of blood by volume that is occupied by the red cells (i.e., the packed red cell volume). Red blood cell indices are calculations derived from the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit that aid in the diagnosis and classification of anemia.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:May 31, 2009
The RF is an antibody detectable in the blood in about 70 percent of persons with rheumatoid arthritis but can often be found in other people as well. In fact, healthy people with no arthritis and no medical problems at all make tiny amounts of this antibody.
Source:StayWell
C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is inflammation throughout the body. This article discusses the blood test done to measures the amount of CRP in your blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 22, 2009
I had a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test that was 38.6, which my doctor said was quite high. My cholesterol was fine. A heart scan and stress test were normal. When my doctor repeated the test, my hsCRP was 6.1. What can cause such variations?
Source:StayWell
The antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA. Antinuclear antibodies are substances produced by the immune system that attack the body's own tissues. See also: Autoimmune disorder
Source:ADAM
Date:February 3, 2009
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a test done early in the evaluation of a person for autoimmune or rheumatic disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Arthrograpy is a procedure involving multiple x rays of a joint using a fluoroscope, or a special piece of x-ray equipment which shows an immediate x-ray image. A contrast medium (in this case, a contrast iodine solution) injected into the joint area helps highlight structures of the joint.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
ArthrogramAnarthrogramis an imaging study used to assess your joint problem. Contrast fluid is injected into the joint being studied.
Source:StayWell
Arthrograpy is a procedure involving multiple x rays of a joint using a fluoroscope, a special piece of x-ray equipment that shows an immediate x-ray image. A contrast medium (in this case, a contrast iodine solution) injected into the joint area helps highlight structures of the joint.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Arthrography is the radiologic examination of soft tissue structures in the joints following an injection of a contrast agent with or without air. The structures demonstrated are the menisci, ligaments, tendons, articular cartilage, and bursae.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Joint fluid culture is a laboratory test to detect infection-causing organisms in a sample of fluid surrounding a joint.
Source:ADAM
Date:December 3, 2007
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, a machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
Source:ADAM
Date:August 15, 2008
Detailed information on the most common procedures used for diagnostic radiology, including arteriogram, barium x-ray, computed tomography scan, fluoroscopy, intravenous pyelogram, magnetic resonance imaging, mammogram, ultrafast CT scan, ultrasound, x ra
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on x-ray, including information on how the procedure is performed
Source:StayWell
X rays are electromagnetic radiation that differentially penetrates structures within the body and creates images of these structures on photographic film or a fluorescent screen. These images are called diagnostic x rays.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
X rays are a type of radiation used in imaging andtherapy that uses short wavelength energy beams capable of penetrating most substances except heavy metals.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
Body positions in x-ray exams are based on body part, suspected defect or disease, and condition of the patient. The radiographer, also known as the x-ray tech or more formally as the radiologic technologist, uses standardized body positions in performing an x-ray exam. Positions are learned by the radiographer according to body part in relation to body habitus, anatomical position and bisecting planes, and relationship of the body to the x-ray equipment.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
What can doctors see on an X-ray? Large and small fractures are first on the list.
Source:StayWell
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