Rheumatoid Arthritis Package
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Package
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis Package?
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Package includes a comprehensive set of blood tests that help in the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This package includes specific biomarkers that help in understanding the immune response and inflammation levels in the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune (where the immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake) and inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, swelling , and potential loss of function. Early diagnosis and management are important for preventing joint damage and improving long-term outcomes.
Rheumatoid arthritis test package comprises a range of serological markers and autoantibodies, each playing an important role in understanding the autoimmune activity associated with RA. Key components of this package includes: SS-B/La and SSA-A/Ro52 antibodies that can be present in RA, indicating potential systemic autoimmune activity, ds-DNA and Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) by IFA - End Point Titer helps differentiate RA from other autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs)/ CP4 series are specific markers for RA, often present in early stages of the disease, IgG (Anti IgM - RF- IgM Detection) is a classical marker that helps diagnose RA and RA33, an autoantigen associated with autoimmune diseases like RA. Together these tests provide a holistic view of the autoimmune and inflammatory responses in the body, guiding doctors tailor treatment strategies effectively.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Package is useful for individuals experiencing persistent joint pain, or stiffness, unexplained fatigue suggestive of the onset of RA or other autoimmune conditions. It is valuable for those with a family history of autoimmune diseases, as well as individuals with known risk factors such as smoking or a history of other inflammatory conditions. This package is also advisable for patients who have been already diagnosed with RA and need to monitor their disease activity or assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
No special preparation is required before undergoing the Rheumatoid Arthritis Package.Inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements that you may be taking as these may affect the test results potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test.
Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation, therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, stress management techniques, and ergonomics adjustments for arthritis management.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis Package used for?
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Package is done:
- To detect rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disorders at an early stage, facilitating prompt treatment
- To confirm a diagnosis of RA in individuals presenting with signs and symptoms such as pain, warmth, swelling and stiffness in the joints etc.
- To differentiate RA from other similar autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as SLE or Sjorgen’s syndrome
- To identify individuals with risk factors like family history of arthritis, other inflammatory conditions, etc.
- To assess the activity and progression of RA in diagnosed patients
- To monitor the treatment response to RA over time.
What does Rheumatoid Arthritis Package measure?
Contains 11 testsThe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Package measures various biomarkers and antibodies that are indicative of autoimmune activity and inflammation associated with RA. Together, these comprehensive tests provide a detailed overview of the immune system’s activity, helping to diagnose RA, differentiate it from other conditions, and monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
SS-B/La
ds-DNA
IgG (Anti IgM - RF- IgM Detection)
SS-A/Ro60
ACPA/CP4-2
ACPA/CP4-3
RA33
ACPA/CP4-4
SSA-A/Ro52
ACPA/CP4-1
Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) by IFA - End Point Titer
An Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) by IFA - End Point Titer test checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood. These antibodies, different from typical ones that fight off invaders in the body, can attach to structures inside the body’s own cell nuclei. If ANAs are present in the blood, it may suggest that your immune system is overly sensitive, causing inflammation against your own tissues and possibly indicating autoimmune diseases.
Know more about Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) by IFA - End Point Titer