Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 8-12 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection - Identify RA before severe joint damage occurs, enabling timely treatment
- Comprehensive analysis - Multiple biomarkers improve diagnostic accuracy over single-marker tests
- Convenient access - Order online without a physician referral; results delivered confidentially
- Treatment monitoring - Track disease activity and therapy response with precision
- Better outcomes - Early diagnosis reduces joint damage risk and improves quality of life (ACR 2024)
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness
- People with family history of rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune diseases
- Those needing to differentiate RA from other types of arthritis
- Patients monitoring disease progression or treatment effectiveness
- Anyone with persistent symptoms unresponsive to rest or standard care
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and complete a simple health questionnaire.
- Visit a lab - Get your blood drawn at a convenient location near you.
- Receive results - Access confidential results online within 8-12 business days.
FAQ
What biomarkers does this test measure? It analyzes Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor, CCP Antibodies (IgG/IgA), and 14.3.3 ETA protein marker to assess autoimmune activity and inflammation.
How accurate is this test for diagnosing RA? Anti-CCP antibodies show over 90% specificity for RA, making this highly reliable (NIH 2023).
Can this test distinguish RA from other arthritis types? Yes, combining multiple markers like anti-CCP and 14.3.3 ETA improves differentiation from osteoarthritis and other conditions.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting is required. Simply disclose current medications and symptoms to your provider.
What happens if my results are positive? Positive results warrant consultation with a rheumatologist for comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning.
How soon can I get my results? Results are typically available within 8-12 business days after sample collection.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The RheumAssure Arthritis Blood Test detects and quantifies multiple RA-related autoantibodies and inflammatory markers to improve diagnostic accuracy and disease activity assessment. By measuring Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor, CCP Antibodies, and 14.3.3 ETA, this comprehensive panel identifies the autoimmune response causing joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness (Mayo Clinic 2024).
These biomarkers work together to provide a complete picture of disease presence and severity. RF detects common autoantibodies, CCP antibodies indicate aggressive disease with higher specificity, and 14.3.3 ETA reveals active inflammation for treatment decisions. This multi-marker approach surpasses traditional single-marker testing in both sensitivity and clinical utility.
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing unexplained joint symptoms deserves accurate diagnosis. This test serves individuals with persistent joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes. People with family history of autoimmune diseases gain valuable screening insights for early intervention.
Those already diagnosed with arthritis benefit from monitoring disease progression and treatment response. The test helps distinguish RA from other arthropathies like osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Patients on disease-modifying drugs use it to track inflammation levels and therapy effectiveness over time.
When should I order RheumAssure Arthritis Blood Test?
Order this test when clinical signs of RA appear or when standard tests yield inconclusive results. Persistent symptoms—joint pain, swelling, stiffness—that don't improve with rest warrant investigation. Morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes or symmetrical joint involvement suggests RA.
Consider testing if you have family history of autoimmune disease or symptoms affecting multiple joints simultaneously. The test proves valuable for monitoring treatment response in diagnosed patients. Early testing enables timely therapy that can prevent irreversible joint damage (ACR 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Results show antibody levels and inflammatory marker concentrations. Elevated values indicate autoimmune activity, while negative results don't completely rule out RA. A comprehensive interpretation considers all biomarkers together for accurate assessment.
RF (Rheumatoid Factor)
- Result Range: Negative / Positive
- What it means: Detects common autoantibodies in RA
- Typical action: Positive warrants further evaluation
Anti-CCP
- Result Range: <20 / ≥20 units
- What it means: High specificity for RA diagnosis
- Typical action: Positive suggests aggressive disease
14.3.3 ETA
- Result Range: <0.19 / ≥0.19 ng/mL
- What it means: Indicates active inflammation
- Typical action: Elevated guides treatment intensity
Anti-CCP antibodies can appear years before RA symptoms develop, making them valuable for early detection (NIH 2023).
Positive results, especially for anti-CCP, strongly suggest RA and warrant rheumatologist consultation. Borderline or conflicting results may require repeat testing or additional diagnostic imaging. Your physician combines these results with clinical examination for definitive diagnosis.
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 test. Schedule your appointment at your convenience without dietary restrictions. Continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise—certain drugs may affect inflammation markers.
Inform your healthcare provider about all current medications, supplements, and symptoms. Wear short sleeves or loose clothing for easy blood draw access. Stay hydrated before your appointment to facilitate sample collection. The test requires only a standard venous blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your diagnosis status and treatment plan. Discuss your specific needs with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Initial diagnosis or symptoms
- Suggested interval: One-time baseline test
Monitoring treatment response
- Suggested interval: Every 3–6 months
Stable disease on therapy
- Suggested interval: Every 6–12 months
Medication changes
- Suggested interval: 4–8 weeks after adjustment
Symptom flare-up
- Suggested interval: As needed per physician
Regular monitoring helps your healthcare team adjust treatments for optimal disease control. More frequent testing may be necessary during active disease or when starting new therapies. Stable patients require less frequent monitoring while maintaining treatment adherence.
Why early detection matters
Early RA diagnosis significantly improves long-term outcomes by preventing irreversible joint damage. The window for most effective treatment occurs within the first months of symptom onset—called the "window of opportunity." Timely intervention preserves joint function and reduces disability risk.
Untreated RA causes progressive cartilage and bone erosion, leading to permanent deformity and functional loss. Early diagnosis enables disease-modifying therapy that slows progression and maintains quality of life. Patients diagnosed early experience less pain, better mobility, and improved work productivity.
Combining multiple biomarkers enhances early detection before extensive joint damage occurs. Anti-CCP antibodies exhibit 75–95% specificity, enabling confident diagnosis when clinical signs remain subtle (Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 2025). Early treatment reduces healthcare costs and prevents complications affecting other organ systems.
Related tests you may consider
Rheumatoid Factor (RA) Blood Test - Screens for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders by measuring the rheumatoid factor levels in the blood.
Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) Antibody Blood Test, IgG - Detects and measures CCP antibodies in the blood to screen for rheumatoid arthritis.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, Quantitative - Detects and monitor inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, or chronic conditions, helping doctors assess treatment effectiveness and overall health.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Direct Blood Test, Qualitative - Helps diagnose an autoimmune disease by detecting antibodies to nuclear antigens.
