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RA blood test?

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ker_02847
ker_02847

Hi guys, im currently being tested for RA after having painful hands for the last 4 months which has now also started in my L ankle. 

I'm having a blood test soon and one of the things being tested is the Antinuclear antibodies (think that's right?) I've researched RA a little bit and most of the time if you have RA, this is one of the things that will test positive. 

However I already have an autoimmune disorder, vitiligo. I've never had any kind of blood test relating to this so ANA has never been tested but surely this will test positive regardless of whether I have RA because vitiligo will make it test positive?

Do they take the results of the RA factor etc more into account if you already have an autoimmune disorder? 

I hope this makes sense! 

Thanks in advance! x

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Gloria814
    Gloria814 ker_02847

    Posted

       There are other tests for RA in addition to ANA and RA factor.    I also have vitiigo and crohns- besides RA.    Have had vitilgo many years and from what I recall no blood test related to the diagnosis.  I think just visual exam to confirm the diagnosis.    They will also do sed rate (ESR) and CRP to assess level of inflammation.  One test quite specific for RA but I dont recall the name of that.   Most of my blood tests were normal and the RA diagnosis had to be confirmed by xrays of hands and that was followed by MRI .  Both showed evidence of RA

        My pain also started in hands and then right foot/ ankle

        I hope this is helpful  and that you get a diagnosis so you can begin treatment

  • martin31040
    martin31040 ker_02847

    Posted

    Hi, from what I remember I was diagnosed with blood tests, x rays, examination by the Rheumatologist specialist, about the blood tests you can have RA with or without the Rheumatoid factor, CRP measures general inflammation, PV plasma viscosity I think is an inflammation marker relating to rheumatoid arthritis, don't know about the ANA test.

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