Ra
Ra
Was your Ra diagnosed when you had your blood work done?
Mine definitely was.
The bloodwork that is the gold standard currently is the ACPA (anti citrulinated protein antibody) or ACCP2 (Anti-CCP antibody) test. It is >97% specific to RA...meaning that if it is positive, >97% of the time the person definitely has RA. The sensitivity is about 75%...meaning that about 75% of people with RA tested are positive for it. It can be detected before you have joint problems. It is better at detecting early RA so that treatment is started early, but most people that have it done are already having joint problems. RF (rheumatoid factor) has been the standard test. It has moderate sensitivity but low specificity. It can be positive in diseases other than RA, but those who have RA will eventually be RF positive...It's not as useful in detecting early RA. Other bloodwork done include CRP, ESR, and genetic tests. The most significant genetic risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis are variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, especially the HLA-DRB1gene.
Hope this helps!
I am RA negative according to blood work.... my rheumy says that happens. Its called serum negative RA (i think ???)
All of my other lab work shows positive - my inflammatory markers are usually out of sight!
I was repeatedly tested by non rheumatologist (GP, NP, Neuro...etc) over the years. It wasnt until my hands swelled up beyond use that I finally got in to a rheumatologist. No one would refer me to a specialist until "they" decided why I needed to go.
I had another test done recently and it's a new - called Vetra Factor. It tests for mild, moderate or severe RA. I already have an aggressive form related to previous blood work, scans, and X-rays but this test will help.
I was dx with blood work and s/s. My RH factor was through the roof and my xrays showed stage 3 RA.
