Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: 8 hours preferred for optimal accuracy
- Turn-around time: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis before permanent joint damage
- Convenient screening without physician visit or referral needed
- Comprehensive panel measuring key inflammation and autoimmunity markers
- Fast, confidential results with transparent pricing and same-day collection
- Monitor treatment response and disease progression effectively
- Rule out alternatives when experiencing unexplained joint symptoms
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Individuals with family history of rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune conditions
- People needing to monitor known inflammatory arthritis conditions
- Those with morning stiffness lasting 30+ minutes regularly
- Health-conscious individuals seeking proactive arthritis screening
- Patients wanting to track treatment effectiveness over time
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any participating lab location near you
- Quick blood draw by certified phlebotomist via standard venipuncture
- Receive results securely online within 2-3 days
FAQ
What does this panel test for? Measures rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), C-reactive protein, uric acid, and sedimentation rate-Westergren.
Do I need to fast before the test? An 8-hour fast is preferred for optimal accuracy, though not strictly required for all markers.
How accurate is this test for diagnosing arthritis? When RF and anti-CCP antibodies are both positive, specificity exceeds 90% for rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
Will this test detect all types of arthritis? This panel primarily screens for rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune conditions, not osteoarthritis from wear-and-tear.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal markers suggest inflammation or autoimmunity requiring discussion with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
Can I take medications before the test? Continue prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive blood panel screens for rheumatoid arthritis and related inflammatory conditions by measuring specific biomarkers linked to joint inflammation and autoimmunity (CDC 2023). The test helps identify autoimmune processes attacking healthy joint tissue, distinguishing inflammatory arthritis from common wear-and-tear joint problems. Early detection enables prompt treatment to prevent permanent joint damage and disability.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals with joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, family history of RA, or those needing to monitor known arthritis benefit most (American College of Rheumatology 2024). People experiencing fatigue, fever, weight loss, or dry eyes alongside joint symptoms should consider testing. Those taking arthritis medications also benefit from regular monitoring to track treatment effectiveness and adjust therapy as needed.
When should I order an Arthritis #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel?
Order this test if you have persistent joint symptoms lasting several weeks, known diagnosis requiring monitoring, or risk factors for autoimmune arthritis (Quest Diagnostics 2024). Early testing is especially important since patients diagnosed and treated within 6 months of symptom onset have significantly better long-term joint outcomes. Don't wait for severe symptoms—early intervention prevents irreversible damage.
How do I interpret the results?
Abnormal markers suggest inflammation or autoimmunity, but interpretation should always be discussed with a physician for precise diagnosis and treatment planning (Hospital for Special Surgery 2020). Results come with reference ranges indicating normal versus elevated levels for each biomarker tested.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- Normal Range: <14 IU/mL
- Clinical Significance: Elevated levels suggest autoimmune activity
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Normal Range: <3.0 mg/L
- Clinical Significance: High levels indicate active inflammation
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
- Normal Range: Negative (1:40)
- Clinical Significance: Positive results suggest autoimmune disorders
Uric Acid
- Normal Range: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL
- Clinical Significance: Elevated levels may indicate gout
High CRP levels are linked to increased RA disease activity and predict worse long-term outcomes.
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.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 8 hours prior to blood draw for optimal accuracy, especially if metabolic panel is included (Any Lab Test Now 2023). Continue all prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, then follow physician guidance
- Monitoring known RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis): Every 6–12 months
- During medication changes: Every 3–6 months
- Family history, no symptoms: Every 2–3 years after age 40
Why early detection matters
RA affects approximately 1.3 million adults in the U.S., with early diagnosis and intervention reducing healthcare costs by up to 30% (CDC 2023). Without prompt treatment, rheumatoid arthritis causes irreversible joint damage, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion. Early intervention with disease-modifying medications can significantly slow progression and preserve joint function for years.
Related tests you may consider
Anti-CCP Antibody Test - Offers higher specificity for RA diagnosis and can confirm ambiguous results from this baseline panel.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Important for patients taking arthritis medications to monitor kidney and liver function.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) - Another inflammation marker useful for monitoring disease activity and differentiating arthritis types.
