Description
Why It’s Done:
• To help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and distinguish it from other types of arthritis
• To assess the severity or progression of rheumatoid arthritis
• To evaluate symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• To aid in diagnosing other autoimmune disorders, like Sjogren’s syndrome or lupus
• To monitor disease activity or response to treatment in autoimmune conditions
Preparation:
• No special preparation is typically needed for this blood test.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, as some drugs may influence the results.
• Fasting is generally not required unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• Stay hydrated and try to relax before the blood draw to ensure smoother sample collection.
