Medicine and Health related Information

Arthritis diagnosis can be done by following tests.

1. ESR ( Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)- This is the test used to detect the collection of the RBC at the bottom of the glass tube which is filled with a test sample of blood. In people suffering from arthritis there is high ESR rate with inflammation. Note- High ESR rate is also found in some diseases like TB and few other types of cancer).

2. TOTAL BLOOD COUNT- It includes counting of all the blood cells RBC, WBC, and blood platelet count. Haemoglobin % , total proteins with albumin and globulin levels, c-reactive protein (or CRP) value estimation.

3. RF TEST (Rheumatoid factor Test)- There is a antibody called RF antibody which is abnormal. In this test this antibody is checked in blood. In more than 70% of Rheumatoid arthritis patients RF is present in a quantity higher than 80 I.U.

4. ANA TEST (Anti nuclear antibody test)- This test is used to determine another type of abnormal antibody called Anti DNA type or ANA.

5. VDRL TEST- This test is suggested for patients suffering from syphilis and shows symptoms of arthritis.

6. Non- IMMUNOLOGICAL TEST- It is used for estimation of serum enzyme levels.

7. TISSUE BIOPSY (Synovial fluid Analysis) - In this test the synovial fluid is drawn out from the joint. This test is specially useful in the diagnosis of infective and gouty arthritis.

8. X-RAY, CT, MRI- X-rays of the effected joints including imaging techniques like isotope scanning, CT and MRI scan is also helpful for doctors to diagnosis.

9. DIAGNOSTIC ARTHROSCOPY- Through this procedure a doctor can directly view the inside of the joints. The orthopaedic surgeon can do it by inserting an arthroscope, which diameter is as small as that of a drinking straw into the joint through a small hole and move it around to examine the joint tissues such as the cartilage and the extent of damage to the joint can be determined.