Screening for Rheumatoid Arthritis
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The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
Screening Tests
There are no screening tests available for the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. If your doctor suspects that you have rheumatoid arthritis, he may check an anti-citrullinated protein level in your blood to help make an early diagnosis. However, the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is usually determined clinically, based on your symptoms, laboratory, and radiographic findings.
References:
Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/ .
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Conn’s Current Therapy . 54th ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2002.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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