1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Vectra DA test

Posted , 5 users are following.

tony1965
tony1965

I'm just wondering if anyone has heard of the Vectra DA test. Last rheumatologist did the test. My score was a 67.

She really didn't go into much detail about the test. Did say it was used to monitor disease progression, remission.

I've looked it up online but most of the info provided is from the lab that does the test. The US gov says it's good for monitoring RA activity. I don't put much stock in that endorsement.

I'm waiting for a referral to a new rheumatologist from my GP.

Thanks

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • lynn15111
    lynn15111 tony1965

    Posted

    About 3 years ago the RA doc I had at the time, ordered it and did so just because it was new.  My new RA doc that I see now, saw it had been ordered back then and says most doctors don't know enough about it to make much use of it.  Just another sign that the first RA doc wasn't much of a doctor.

    • tony1965
      tony1965 lynn15111

      Posted

      Thanks Lynn. My thoughts exactly. Now I know how to say rheumatologist in shorthand! RA doc. I like that. Hate typing rheumatologist and "rheumy" just doesn't do it for me,lol.

  • Gloria814
    Gloria814 tony1965

    Posted

      I did ask my doctor about ordering the test ( I live in the Boston area).   He said there is not enough data on the test to really determine what  the results mean.   I have had plenty of blood tests so I tend to believe what he says.  I did not research any info on the test itself however.     My blood tests are neg for RH and certain other blood results neg but the pain and the xrays (erosions on both hands), and swelling  were the factors used to diagnose      

       I hope you find a good rheum. that finds the right medication for you.  Seems to be trial, error and a great deal of patience needed for all of us

    • tony1965
      tony1965 Gloria814

      Posted

      Trial and error for sure Gloria. I tested positive for RF but inflammation markers were within normal range. That was last year. Diagnosis was made from xrays and past mri's and Dr reports.

  • jo66120
    jo66120 tony1965

    Posted

    I have been to 2 RA docs and neither one believed in ordering the test. The doc I am going to now told me that he did not need the test that I would tell him how I was feeling and doing and that's all he needed.

    • tony1965
      tony1965 jo66120

      Posted

      So Jo, does the Dr rely solely on your word? Just wondering. The doc does some blood work, right? None of my business if you don't want to reply.

  • jo66120
    jo66120 tony1965

    Posted

    Yes tony, he does blood work every 2 months.  He checks my hands, wrists, shoulders, ankles and any other bones that move.  I always have to fill out a sheet with questions about how I feel on the day I see him.  We talk and I tell him how I feel.  He says that's good for him to know about how I am doing.  my counts for inflammation sometime are normal but I still have joint pain, interesting isn't it

  • tony1965
    tony1965

    Posted

    I saw an RA doc for 3-4 months appx 1-1.5 years ago. She did the Vectra after a couple or three visit's but was sending me to an outside lab after every appt.

    It was just getting too expensive and her office was out of the way.

    Of course, she did the RA questionnaire every visit and checked my joints. Prescribed Tramadol, Prednisone and Meloxicam.

    Meloxicam may as well be a placebo and have to limit myself on any kind of narcotic. The Prednisone really works on the inflammation.

    GP has me on Prednisone, waiting on referral for RA doc that's convenient and hopefully knows what the heck they're doing.

    Anyway, thanks for your response on the Vectra DA. Not many response's so I'm going to assume that you and the other's are correct.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.