Seronegative RA is indeed a form of rheumatoid arthritis — it's not a separate condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is broadly split into two types: seropositive and seronegative. The key difference is in how each is diagnosed, not in what the condition fundamentally is.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Seropositive RA — specific Show Full Answer
Seronegative RA is indeed a form of rheumatoid arthritis — it's not a separate condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is broadly split into two types: seropositive and seronegative. The key difference is in how each is diagnosed, not in what the condition fundamentally is.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Seropositive RA — specific antibodies (anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor) are detectable in the blood
- Seronegative RA — those antibodies are absent or undetectable, making diagnosis trickier
Both types share many of the same symptoms, including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. Because seronegative RA lacks a clear blood marker, doctors rely more on physical exams, imaging (like X-rays and ultrasound), and inflammation markers such as CRP and ESR to make a diagnosis.
As one myRAteam member shared, "After many years of damage, the blood tests show nothing. They call it seronegative RA. We just go by the damage seen on imaging."
It's also worth knowing that some people initially diagnosed with seronegative RA may develop detectable antibodies later on, which can shift their diagnosis to seropositive RA. Either way, treatment options are largely the same for both types.
June 19
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