Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around time: 3-4 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune conditions before symptoms worsen
- Comprehensive screening with multiple biomarkers in one convenient test
- Skip doctor visits - order directly without referrals or lengthy wait times
- Confidential results delivered securely online for privacy and convenience
- Cost-effective testing compared to ordering individual tests separately
- Fast results within 3-4 business days for timely health decisions
Who Is This Test For?
- Women experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or morning stiffness lasting over an hour
- Those with family history of rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune diseases
- Individuals with unexplained fatigue or persistent joint symptoms
- Women seeking preventive health screening (RA affects women 2-3x more than men)
- Those monitoring existing arthritis conditions or treatment effectiveness
- Anyone wanting proactive joint health assessment without physician referrals
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any Walk-In Lab location nationwide for blood collection
- Get tested with a simple blood draw taking just 5-10 minutes
- View results securely online within 1-2 business days and share with your doctor
FAQ
What conditions does this panel screen for? This comprehensive panel screens for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions affecting joints through multiple specialized blood markers.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required for the basic arthritis panel, though some comprehensive versions may require 8-12 hours fasting if additional tests are included.
How accurate are the test results? Anti-CCP antibodies show 95-96% specificity for rheumatoid arthritis, while Rheumatoid Factor achieves 95-96% specificity, providing highly reliable diagnostic information (Mayo Clinic 2025).
What should I do if my results are positive? Positive results warrant consultation with a rheumatologist within 4-6 weeks for confirmed diagnosis and treatment planning to prevent joint damage.
Can I take this test while on medications? Continue prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications 24-48 hours before testing if possible, as they may affect CRP levels.
How often should I get tested?
For screening, test when symptoms persist over 6 weeks. Established RA patients should monitor inflammatory markers every 3-6 months to assess treatment effectiveness.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel screens for rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases by measuring inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), autoantibodies (RF, anti-CCP, ANA), and blood cell counts to assess joint inflammation and immune system activity. The test helps evaluate disease severity, monitor treatment effectiveness, and detect potential complications. With arthritis affecting 21.5% of women in the United States, early detection is crucial for preventing irreversible joint damage (CDC 2022).
Who would benefit from this test?
Women experiencing joint symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks, morning stiffness exceeding one hour, or symmetric joint involvement should consider testing. Those with family history of autoimmune conditions, unexplained fatigue, or seeking preventive health screening particularly benefit. Given that rheumatoid arthritis affects women at 2-3 times higher rates than men, with incidence ranging from 13.1 per 100,000 in ages 18-29 to 82.1 per 100,000 in ages 60-64, age-appropriate screening is essential (Nature 2025).
When should I order this Arthritis Comprehensive Blood Test Panel?
Consider testing if experiencing joint symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks, morning stiffness exceeding one hour, symmetric joint involvement, or unexplained fatigue. Early testing is crucial as RA diagnosis typically takes 18 weeks from symptom onset, and blood biomarkers can predict knee osteoarthritis up to 8 years before clinical diagnosis when joint damage is still reversible (NIH 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- Normal Range: Less than 20 IU/mL
- Elevated Levels May Indicate: Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions
Anti-CCP Antibodies
- Normal Range: Less than 20 units/mL
- Elevated Levels May Indicate: Strong indicator of rheumatoid arthritis (95–96% specificity)
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Normal Range: Less than 3.0 mg/L
- Elevated Levels May Indicate: Active inflammation in joints or other tissues
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
- Normal Range (women): Less than 20 mm/hr
- Elevated Levels May Indicate: Inflammatory, infectious, or malignant processes
ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)
- Normal Result: Negative
- Positive Result May Indicate: Lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, or other autoimmune diseases
Positive RF or anti-CCP results provide strong evidence for rheumatoid arthritis, with anti-CCP showing positive likelihood ratios of 12.5-15.9.
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
Most arthritis panels require no fasting, though comprehensive versions may include tests requiring 8-12 hour fasting. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications 24-48 hours before testing if possible, as they may affect CRP levels. Continue any prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. No special handling is required from the patient.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms
- Suggested interval: When symptoms persist longer than 6 weeks
- Established RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) patients
- Suggested interval: Every 3–6 months
- Negative results with ongoing symptoms
- Suggested interval: Repeat in 3–6 months
- Treatment monitoring
- Suggested interval: Every 3–6 months during active treatment
- Preventive screening (high risk)
- Suggested interval: Annually or as symptoms develop
Why early detection matters
Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis is crucial because diagnostic delays average 18 weeks from first medical encounter, with total lag time from symptom onset averaging 36 weeks. Blood biomarkers can predict knee osteoarthritis up to 8 years before clinical diagnosis, when joint damage is still reversible. Women face 2-3 times higher risk for RA, making proactive screening essential for preventing irreversible joint damage and maintaining quality of life (Johns Hopkins 2020).
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test- evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
Cardio IQ® Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Blood Test - screens for and diagnose vitamin D deficiency or toxicity and monitor response to vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 supplementation.
HLA B27 Disease Association Blood Test- checks for the HLA B27 genetic marker that can help doctors diagnose certain inflammatory diseases affecting the joints, spine, and eyes
