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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.

What tests determined that you had RA?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Njarðvík, IS
June 7
 · 
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A myRAteam Member

Wow that’s crazy!!! I’m so glad you finally got your answer at least 😭

June 7
A myRAteam Member

I went to my Dr. With a swollen knuckles and he said that he thought that I had gout gave me medication without taking a blood test witch would have shown him that I didn't have any uric acid so I could not have had gout.two weeks later I went back with two swollen. Joint s and two feet that I could bearly walk on, and then he said oh I think you have RA like I told him in the first place being, because my mom had RA and referred my to an RA Dr, And do you know what she said to me what do you think that you have i said R A and she said yes you do. Blood work came back and I was RA positive my inflammation was at 260 very very high, after 15 different medication I am now on Rinvoq, and it is the only medication that has really ever worked for me. I'm sorr6 my name is Cindy, that's my story

June 7
myRAteam

Diagnosing RA isn't a one-test situation — it's more like putting together a puzzle. Doctors typically use a combination of approaches to confirm a diagnosis. Here's a breakdown of what's usually involved:

Physical Exam
- Checking joints for swelling, warmth, redness, and limited movement
- Asking about morning stiffness Show Full Answer

Diagnosing RA isn't a one-test situation — it's more like putting together a puzzle. Doctors typically use a combination of approaches to confirm a diagnosis. Here's a breakdown of what's usually involved:

Physical Exam
- Checking joints for swelling, warmth, redness, and limited movement
- Asking about morning stiffness and family history of RA

Blood Tests
- Anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide): The most specific test for RA — a strong positive result gives a 90% likelihood of RA
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF): A positive result strongly suggests RA, but a negative doesn't rule it out
- CRP and ESR: These measure inflammation levels and help track disease activity
- ANA (Antinuclear Antibody): Less specific but can provide additional clues

Imaging
- X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans can detect joint damage and inflammation It's worth knowing that some people have seronegative RA, meaning their blood tests come back negative even though they do have RA. As one myRAteam member shared, their RA never showed up in standard blood tests, which delayed their diagnosis by years.

If blood tests are inconclusive, a rheumatologist will lean on physical symptoms, imaging, and medical history to make a diagnosis. Don't be discouraged if results aren't clear-cut right away — it's very common for the process to take time.

June 7

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