Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Test

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential joint damage. It is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the synovial membrane lining the joints, producing autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. The Anti-dsDNA (Double-Stranded) Antibodies EIA is an essential test for comprehensive RA evaluation, especially in complex cases where multiple autoimmune conditions may overlap.

RECOMMENDED TEST Anti-dsDNA (Double-Stranded) Antibiodies, EIA
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What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the synovial membrane that lines your joints, triggering chronic inflammation. This autoimmune response produces specific autoantibodies including rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies that target joint tissues. The exact trigger remains unknown, but genetic factors (particularly the HLA-DR4 gene), environmental factors like smoking, hormonal changes, and certain infections are believed to activate this destructive immune response in susceptible individuals.

What is the best test for rheumatoid arthritis?

The Anti-dsDNA (Double-Stranded) Antibodies EIA is an essential test for comprehensive RA evaluation because it helps identify patients with overlapping autoimmune features or complex cases. While anti-dsDNA antibodies are more commonly associated with lupus, some RA patients test positive for these antibodies, and detecting them helps healthcare providers distinguish between different autoimmune conditions. This test is particularly important when standard RA markers like rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies don't tell the complete story, ensuring you receive accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning for your specific autoimmune profile.

When should I get tested for rheumatoid arthritis?

You should get tested if you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness lasting more than six weeks, especially if it affects both sides of your body symmetrically (like both wrists or both knees). Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes, unexplained fatigue, low-grade fever, or difficulty performing daily tasks like opening jars or buttoning clothes are also important warning signs. Early testing is critical because RA can cause irreversible joint damage within the first two years, and prompt treatment can significantly slow disease progression and preserve joint function.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include tender, warm, swollen joints that typically affect the small joints of your hands, wrists, and feet in a symmetrical pattern. You might experience prolonged morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or more, persistent fatigue that interferes with daily activities, and occasional low-grade fever. As RA progresses, you may notice firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules), joint deformity, reduced range of motion, and systemic symptoms like dry eyes, chest pain, or shortness of breath when inflammation affects other organs.
Who is at risk for rheumatoid arthritis?
Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men, with onset typically occurring between ages 30 and 60. You face increased risk if you have a family history of RA, carry certain genetic markers like HLA-DR4, or smoke cigarettes (which significantly increases both risk and severity). Obesity, exposure to silica dust or asbestos in occupational settings, and prior infection with certain bacteria or viruses may also trigger RA in genetically susceptible individuals.
What happens if rheumatoid arthritis is left untreated?
Untreated rheumatoid arthritis leads to progressive joint destruction, cartilage erosion, and bone damage that can occur within the first two years of disease onset. You may develop permanent joint deformities, loss of mobility, and severe disability that affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. Beyond the joints, untreated RA increases your risk of serious complications including heart disease, lung inflammation, osteoporosis, rheumatoid nodules, eye inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infections due to immune system dysfunction.
Can rheumatoid arthritis be diagnosed with a blood test?
Rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed using blood tests combined with physical examination and imaging studies. Blood tests detect specific autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor (positive in 70-80% of RA patients) and anti-CCP antibodies (highly specific for RA), as well as inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The Anti-dsDNA Antibodies test helps identify overlapping autoimmune conditions in complex cases, ensuring comprehensive evaluation when standard RA markers don't provide the complete picture.
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate, which slow disease progression and prevent joint damage. Your doctor may prescribe biologic agents that target specific immune system proteins (like TNF inhibitors or IL-6 inhibitors) if standard DMARDs aren't effective. Additional treatments include low-dose corticosteroids for inflammation control, NSAIDs for pain relief, physical therapy to maintain joint function, and in severe cases, surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.
How can I prevent rheumatoid arthritis?
You cannot completely prevent rheumatoid arthritis if you have genetic susceptibility, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding cigarette smoking, which is the strongest modifiable risk factor. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces inflammatory stress on your immune system and joints, while eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables may help. If you have family history of RA, avoiding occupational exposures to silica dust and asbestos, practicing good dental hygiene to prevent periodontal disease, and managing stress may lower your risk of developing the condition.
What natural remedies help with rheumatoid arthritis?
Natural remedies that help manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (2-3 grams daily), which reduce inflammation and joint tenderness. Regular low-impact exercise like swimming, walking, or tai chi maintains joint flexibility and muscle strength without aggravating inflammation. Applying heat therapy relaxes muscles and improves circulation, while cold therapy reduces acute inflammation and pain. Curcumin (turmeric extract), ginger, and green tea have anti-inflammatory properties that may complement medical treatment, though you should always discuss supplements with your doctor to avoid interactions with RA medications.
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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

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We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
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If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Anti-dsDNA (Double-Stranded) Antibiodies, EIA
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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