The Rheumatoid Arthritis Panel test measures the CCP, CRP, ANA, RA factor levels in the blood.

• To diagnose and assess patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
• To differentiate between rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] and other types of arthritis based on the laboratory test parameters.
• It may also be done in certain autoimmune disorders.

People with the following symptoms:

• Frequent joint pain and stiffness.
• Severe early morning pain and stiffness [mainly in the small joints of hands and feet]
• Visible signs of inflammation in the joints.
• Those with a family history of RA/Arthritis.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

RA test

RA factor present or positive (high) usually indicates the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it may also be positive in certain other autoimmune disorders like Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disorders, inflammatory lung diseases, and certain cancers. The RA factor test may also be positive in certain healthy individuals especially the elderly population. The absence of RA factor or negative (low) RA factor test is used to rule out RA disease. But, some patients with RA may have negative or low RA factor.

CCP Antibody Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide

Detection of anti-CCP antibodies [Positive Result] is used as an aid in the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and should be used in conjunction with other clinical information.

Antinuclear Antibodies Test

ANAs [Positive Result] indicate the possible presence of autoimmunity & provide, therefore, an indication of autoimmune illness. A positive result, autoantibodies against any one or in some cases simultaneously against more than one antigens may be present and further monospecific tests or panel of profiles can be used to determine the specific

If the test is negative, detectable level of auto antibodies is ruled out.

All weak positive (+) results may be repeated after 6 – 8 weeks.

CRP-C Reactive Protein

Increased CRP-C Reactive Protein levels may indicate infection, tissue injury, inflammatory disorders and associated diseases. Increase in CRP values are non-Specific and should not be interpreted without a complete history.