Arthritis is a condition where there is inflammation in the joints, it can affect a certain joint or multiple joints at the same time, there are more hundred different types of arthritis, however, the most common type of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. An Arthritis Test can help in clearly diagnosing your condition. A Rheumatoid Factor Test can usually help in diagnosing the type of arthritis you are suffering from, so that you are able to take the necessary steps and ensure it causes minimal disruptions in your life and you are able to do things that you enjoy. An RA Factor Test is a blood test that can help in diagnosing which kind of arthritis you might be suffering from so that correct treatment can be administered. The RA Test requires the phlebotomist to take your blood sample, which takes only a few minutes. The sample is then sent to the lab to perform the tests.

People suffering from Arthritis may show the following symptoms:

• Joint Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduce Range of Motion
• Redness of Skin around Joint

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis may notice the following symptoms:

• Tiredness
• Loss of Appetite
• Slight Fever
• Anemia

Why Arthritis Testing is important?

Arthritis occurs when cartilage, the tissue that connects joints reduces. Cartilage is a flexible connective whose job is to absorb the pressure and shock of movement and thus protect the joints. Normal wear and tear causes the reduction of cartilage resulting in Osteoarthritis, injuries or infection can further worsen the condition. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, wherein the immune system keeps the cartilage from getting the nourishment it needs and eventually destroys bone and cartilage in a joint. An Arthritis Test is advisable to determine which of the two you might be suffering from. A Rheumatoid Test or RA Factor Test checks for Rheumatoid Arthritis and if it is not present helps in concluding that Osteoarthritis might be causing the symptoms.

Arthritis is generally seen in older people and is most common among those above the age of 65, however, that does not mean that younger people may not suffer from it. Women are generally more prone to suffering from arthritis than men and so are people who are overweight as it puts additional stress on the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects people between the ages of 40 and 60; however, it can affect anyone at any age. Unlike Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis isn't caused by wear and tear, but, because the immune system attacks synovium, the lining of joints that lubricates them and nourishes the cartilage.

Many people may believe that the symptoms of arthritis are because of their bones and get a Serum Calcium Test done, however, it is necessary to get a Rheumatoid Factor Test done to get definitive diagnosis.

How Arthritis Blood Test is performed?

There are two types of Rheumatoid Tests that can be done to determine if a person is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. These are Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Test, Qualitative and Rheumatoid Arthritis Test, Quantitative. The test basically checks for the presence of Rheumatoid Factor, a protein created by the immune system to attack healthy cells. You can also get a CRP Test or ESR Test done along with RA Test to confirm diagnosis.