How are blood tests used to diagnose arthritis?

Answer by  Travis404607 (3916)

When arthritis occurs, it causes inflammation, which can release chemicals and change the overal blood chemistry. Therefore, testing the blood for BUN and creatinine helps see if these levels are elevated. This can contribute to a diagnosis.

Answer by  mpg (62)

Generally, blood tests are not used to diagnose arthritis. However, a blood test, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is a measure of the degree of inflammation, can monitor arthritis severity.

Answer by  mooly398 (140)

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease, and the inflammatory response sets off a cascade of reactions in the body. A blood test for arthritis looks for the factors associated with inflammation, either indirectly by looking at blood cell sedimentation, or directly by using antibodies against arthritis-associated proteins like C reactive protein or citrulline-modified proteins.