Tips on testing

[J972]

Hi,

I have a GP appointment next Monday to request that I be tested for arthritis.

Can I please get an outline of the most comprehensive tests that I can hope to get from the GP? Also, thinking ahead to the blood draw, is there a particular protocol that I should follow?

Many thanks 🙏

[medway-lady]

It’s a standard blood test for the RA antibody, but some have it and no RA and others don’t have it but still have RA so be guided by your G P. And look up the NRAS website which has lots of info.

[J972 in reply to medway-lady]

OK thank you.

[stbernhard]

Hello J, this is the link to a NRAS resource about the first appointment. I hope this helps and all will go well for you. nras.org.uk/resource/gettin...

[Runrig01]

to start off with your gp will check if you are positive for the rheumatoid factor, and check your bloods for inflammatory markers, either CRP or sometimes ESR. There is no special prep for these tests. Depending on your results, and his examination of your joints, he may then refer you to rheumatology, who will then do their own tests. You can be negative for RF and have RA.

[J972]

Morning, that’s *super helpful*, thank you both so much. Take care.

[Whereisthesun]

My dr didn’t do any test. He sent me to the Rheumatology department at my local hospital. There I had bloods Ultra sound and X-rays. I hope you get sorted

[J972]

Thank you for that, I’ll post an update after the appointment next week 👍

[spartacus101]

My GP contacted the rheumatology department prior to my appointment there to find out exactly which blood tests they wanted and then arranged these so they had immediate access to the information when I went. Hope all goes well for you.

[J972]

That was proactive of them 👍 Thanks for responding.