Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for at least 4 hours is required.
- Turnaround: 2-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- C-Reactive Protein, Quant: A sensitive, fast-responding marker used to detect inflammation, infection, and related conditions, and to track your response to anti-inflammatory treatment.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF): An antibody test used to support the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
- Antinuclear Antibodies, IFA: A screening test used to support the evaluation of lupus and other autoimmune conditions, which can also appear positive in rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders.
ANA Titer: Measures the level of antinuclear antibodies present in your blood. - ANA Pattern: Identifies the staining pattern of antinuclear antibodies, which can help guide further evaluation.
ANA Direct: A direct measurement used alongside titer and pattern results for a fuller antinuclear antibody profile.
Important: The ANA test included in this panel varies by laboratory. The LabCorp version includes the Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Direct Blood Test, Qualitative, while the Quest Diagnostics version includes the ANA Screen, IFA, with Reflex to Titer and Pattern Blood Test. Both tests evaluate antinuclear antibodies for autoimmune disease assessment but use different methods and may differ in reflex testing and result reporting. Results should be interpreted along with your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings.
Uric Acid
- Uric Acid: Measures how efficiently your body breaks down and clears uric acid, and can be used to monitor levels during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Sedimentation Rate
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: A general marker of inflammation, infection, or malignancy that signals when further evaluation may be needed.
Benefits
- Screens for markers associated with rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune activity.
- Measures inflammation through CRP and sedimentation rate results.
- Checks uric acid levels tied to cell breakdown and treatment monitoring.
- Includes ANA testing to support evaluation of autoimmune-related conditions.
- Helps you track treatment response and disease activity over time.
Who Is This Test For?
- You're experiencing joint stiffness, pain, or reduced mobility.
- You notice recurring morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or longer.
- You're dealing with fatigue, periodic fever, or unexplained weight loss.
- You want to monitor inflammation levels or treatment response.
- You're experiencing dry eyes, dry mouth, or firm lumps under the skin.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This panel brings together markers that help you look at inflammation, immune activity, and uric acid levels in one baseline blood draw. It includes CRP and sedimentation rate to assess inflammation, rheumatoid factor and ANA to support evaluation of autoimmune activity, and uric acid to check how efficiently your body clears it. Together, these markers give you a broader picture than any single test alone, though this panel does not diagnose any condition on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from this panel if you're noticing joint stiffness, swelling, or discomfort, or if you want a baseline look at inflammation and immune-related markers. It can also be useful if you're tracking how your body responds to treatment over time. This panel is intended for general screening and monitoring purposes, not for diagnosing a specific condition.
3. When should I order this panel?
You might consider ordering this panel if you want a baseline snapshot of inflammation and immune-related markers, or if you're following up after previous results or ongoing treatment. It can also support monitoring alongside guidance from your healthcare provider. This test does not provide a diagnosis on its own.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for at least 4 hours is required.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 2-3 days. Turnaround may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Individual biomarker results are only part of the picture. Patterns across multiple markers in this panel are often more meaningful than any single value on its own. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to interpret your results in the context of your health history and any symptoms you're experiencing.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If any of your results fall outside the expected range, share them with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand what the results mean in the context of your overall health and determine whether any next steps are needed.
8. How often should I get tested?
There isn't a single testing schedule that fits everyone. How often you retest this panel should be decided as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual health needs and any ongoing monitoring.
9. Why early detection matters
Keeping an eye on inflammation and immune-related markers over time may support earlier awareness of changes in your health and help guide ongoing monitoring conversations with your healthcare provider. This panel is one tool among many and works best as part of a broader picture of your health.
Pre-test preparation
Fasting for at least 4 hours is required.
