Rheumatoid Arthritis Test

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common disease characterised by the inflammation of the joints causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

Our Rheumatoid Arthritis Test checks for levels of CPA and RF. The presence of both of these is 99.9% diagnostic of Rheumatoid Arthritis, up to five years before symptoms appear.

Early diagnosis using our Rheumatoid Arthritis Test can help you and your healthcare professionals prepare for the onset of this disease.

Our test requires a pin-prink blood sample taken safely and painlessly with the included tool. You then send your sample to our laboratory in a pre-paid envelope and your confidential results are returned within 10 working days.

£59.95

1 per pack

(Code: 4007)

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common autoimmune disease and is characterised by the inflammation of the joints causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
While it is more common in women over 40 years of age, it can affect anyone at any age, including children.
The exact causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis are still unknown but the disease can be triggered by general illnesses and severe emotional or physical trauma.
It usually first noticed in peripheral joints such as the fingers, wrists and ankles, but can affect any joint.

Why test?

With the availability of sophisticated therapies and drugs, it is important to diagnose and treat the disease early to avoid long-term damage.

How does the test work?

A positive CPA + RF is 99.9% diagnostic of Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can be detected up to five years before symptoms appear making early treatment more effective by avoiding the worst effects.

Treatment

Unfortunately there is currently no treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis however, if your results are positive you should discuss your results with your GP who can, if necessary, prescribe drugs or therapies that can be successful in:
* Reducing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in affected joints.
* Preventing or limiting the amount of joint damage.

Sample requirements & test turnaround

A pin-prick blood sample is required. Results are available within 10 working days.

Your Guide to Arthritis

Your Guide to Arthritis If you have arthritis, or are close to someone who does, it is likely that you may have many unanswered questions, worries and concerns. You may feel as if you are losing control over what is happening and are left needing vital reassurance and support.

£14.99

1 per pack

(Code: 7018)

Helping you when you need it the most

The Royal Society of Medicine brings you this indispensable book that provides:
*all the information you need about arthritis
*invaluable advice to help you make informed decisions
*support throughout the illness - every step of the way

Author

Dr Michael Snaith is Consultant Rheumatologist at Amber Valley Primary Care Trust, Heanor & Ripley Hospital and Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and is an internationally recognized authority on arthritis. He is also a member of British Society for Rheumatology, and is Honorary Senior Lecturer at Sheffield University.