How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

    Researchedby:
    Bill Willis

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Mike Murray, Graham Walker
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    RA is diagnosed with a combination of medical history (having an immediate family member with RA increases risk), physical exams, X-rays, and lab tests. If RA is suspected, lab tests are performed to look for increased inflammation or signs of autoimmunity.

    Diagnostic tests for RA include the following:[1]

    • Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
    • C-reactive protein (CRP) test
    • Cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody test
    • Complement blood test
    • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test
    • Rheumatoid factor (RF) test
    • Synovial fluid analysis