Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw at lab facility
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around time: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis before severe joint damage occurs
- Comprehensive screening measuring multiple inflammation and autoimmune markers
- Convenient ordering with no doctor's visit or referral required
- Confidential results reviewed by licensed physicians and delivered securely
- Cost-effective monitoring for ongoing arthritis management and treatment response
- Proactive health insight empowering lifestyle and treatment decisions
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing unexplained joint pain, stiffness, or morning joint immobility
- Individuals with family history of rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune diseases
- Women over 40 at higher risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis
- Those monitoring existing arthritis treatment effectiveness and disease progression
- Health-conscious consumers seeking preventive autoimmune disease screening
- Anyone with persistent fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test panel with transparent, upfront pricing
- Visit local lab - Get your blood drawn at any certified partner facility
- Receive results - Access results through secure online portal
FAQ
What does this test measure? The panel analyzes key arthritis biomarkers including rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), C-reactive protein, uric acid, sedimentation rate-Westergren, iron total, CBC with differentials and platelets, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, thyroid panel with TSH.
Can I use this test if I'm already taking arthritis medications? Yes, continue your usual medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results indicate potential inflammation or autoimmune activity and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
How often should I repeat this test? Testing frequency depends on your specific situation - typically every 3-12 months for monitoring known conditions, or as recommended by your doctor.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive blood panel detects, diagnoses, and monitors rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune conditions by measuring disease-specific antibodies and inflammatory markers (Arthritis Foundation 2025). The test provides detailed assessment of inflammatory status and potential autoimmune disorders, enabling early intervention and treatment monitoring.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing unexplained joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or morning immobility would benefit most from this screening. Women and older adults face higher risk for autoimmune diseases, making this test particularly valuable for preventive care. People with family history of arthritis or those needing to monitor existing autoimmune conditions also benefit significantly (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2023).
When should I order an Arthritis Wellness #2 Blood Test Panel?
Order this test if you have persistent joint symptoms lasting more than six weeks, family history of arthritis, or need to monitor therapy for existing autoimmune conditions. Early screening supports prompt diagnosis and management, with studies showing best treatment outcomes when started within three months of symptom onset (Arthritis Foundation 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
Test results indicate whether inflammation or autoimmune processes are present through specific biomarker measurements. Your report will show normal or abnormal values for each marker tested.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- Normal Range: <15 IU/mL
- What Abnormal Results May Indicate: Possible rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions
Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA)
- Normal Range: Negative or <1:40 titer (lab-dependent)
- What Abnormal Results May Indicate: Possible autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or mixed connective tissue disease
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Normal Range: <3.0 mg/L
- What Abnormal Results May Indicate: Active inflammation in the body
Sedimentation Rate-Westergren
- Normal Range: <30 mm/hr (varies by age/gender)
- What Abnormal Results May Indicate: Presence of inflammation, infection, or malignancy
Uric Acid
- Normal Range: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL (women), 3.4–7.0 mg/dL (men)
- What Abnormal Results May Indicate: Gout or other metabolic conditions
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
No fasting is required for this blood panel. Continue taking your usual medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Maintain normal dietary habits and daily activities before your blood draw appointment.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual health status and risk factors for autoimmune conditions.
- Monitoring known RA or autoimmune condition: Every 3–6 months
- Family history but no symptoms: Annually or as symptoms develop
- Active symptoms under investigation: As directed by healthcare provider
- Post-treatment monitoring: Every 6–12 months
- General preventive screening: Every 2–3 years after age 40
Why early detection matters
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million adults in the U.S., with early diagnosis significantly increasing chances of effective long-term management (CDC 2022). The total annual cost of RA in the U.S. reaches $19.3 billion, but early detection and intervention can substantially reduce healthcare expenses and disability rates. Prompt treatment helps prevent irreversible joint damage and maintains quality of life.
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - provides broader organ function assessment, useful for monitoring medication effects and overall metabolic health alongside arthritis screening.
Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Test - helps screen for other autoimmune diseases like lupus or Sjögren's syndrome that can mimic or occur with RA.
Vitamin D Test - assesses levels of this important nutrient for bone health and immune function, often deficient in people with autoimmune conditions.
