Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Blood test results

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Rockbridge, OH

Blood test results

October 21, 2025
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

Hello, Tom. At the beginning I had really low numbers in my tests and my doctor thought it could be reversed. But, oh surprise, when he saw me again one year after and even after following his indications (exercise, diet, etc), we found out with X-ray that the disease was already working heavily even if blood tests didn't show it. So, doing all the possibles test is something I highly advice.

October 21, 2025
myRAteam

What blood tests are commonly used to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis?

Several key blood tests help doctors diagnose and monitor RA:

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test - Measures autoantibodies, though a positive result doesn't automatically confirm RA
• Anti-CCP Test - Most specific test for RA, present in 60-70% of Show Full Answer

What blood tests are commonly used to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis?

Several key blood tests help doctors diagnose and monitor RA:

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test - Measures autoantibodies, though a positive result doesn't automatically confirm RA
• Anti-CCP Test - Most specific test for RA, present in 60-70% of cases
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) - Measures inflammation levels
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Another marker of inflammation
• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test - Checks for antibodies attacking body tissues It's important to know that blood tests alone cannot diagnose RA. Doctors use these tests along with:
• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Imaging tests
• Evaluation of symptoms

Some people with RA may have normal blood test results (seronegative RA). If initial tests are inconclusive, your doctor may order additional specialized tests to help confirm a diagnosis.

October 21, 2025

Related Questions

View All

Do your Doctors manage your disease through blood tests & results?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Amarillo, TX
July 31, 2018

Low ferritin

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Phalaborwa, ZA
April 15

Survey Results: myRAteam Members on Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Blood Tests for Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
High Blood Pressure and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What’s the Connection?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In