7 Tests and Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

7 Tests and Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Serologic tests : erythrocyte sedimentation increased, blood could be anemia and leukocytosis, Rheumatoid factor, occurs 50-90 % of patients.

2. X-rays of the affected joints : show swelling of the soft tissue, joint erosions, and osteoporosis of the adjacent bone (early changes) developed into the formation of bone cysts, narrowing the joint and subluxation. Osteoarthritis changes that occur simultaneously.

3. Radionuclide Scanning : identify inflammation of the synovium.

4. Arthroscopy : Visualization of areas that showed irregularities / degeneration of the bones in the joint.

5. Synovial fluid aspiration : may indicate a larger volume than normal : opaque, foggy, the appearance of yellow color (inflammatory response, degenerative disposal products) ; elevation of the white blood cells, a decrease in viscosity and complement (C3 and C4).

6. Synovial membrane biopsy : inflammatory changes and developments indicate heat .

7. Examination of joint fluid through biopsy, FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) or arthroscopy ; joint fluid looks cloudy because it contains many leukocytes and less viscous than normal joint fluid. Rheumatoid arthritis is a diagnostic criteria are symmetrical polyarthritis involving the proximal joints of the fingers and toes and settle for at least 6 weeks or more if found subcutaneous nodules or picture periarticular erosions on x-rays.

Some of the factors that contribute in giving out the contribution to the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, namely rheumatoid nodules, joint inflammation found on palpation and the results of laboratory tests. Laboratory examination showed elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor positive about 70 % ; early in the disease is a negative factor. The number of red blood cells and complement C4 decreased. Examination of C - reactive protein (CRP) and antinuclear antibody (ANA) can show positive results. Artrocentesis will show the synovial fluid that is cloudy, milky colored or dark yellow and contains many inflammatory cells, such as leukocytes and complement (Smeltzer & Bare, 2002). X-ray examination is done to help diagnosis and monitoring the course of their illness. X-rays will show bone erosions and narrowing of the joint cavity typically happens in the course of the disease (Smeltzer & Bare, 2002).