5 Blood Tests for Joint Pain

Did you know the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in India is estimated to be 0.7%-0.92%, which is higher than the global prevalence (0.46%)? This prevalence can be curbed through a blood test for joint pain. Blood tests can early diagnose joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Although it has no cure, treatment can help manage your symptoms. A blood test for joint pain is the first step toward treatment. There are various blood tests for arthritis, and this guide will provide you with a list of 10 effective blood tests for joint pain. 

The Role of Blood Test for Joint Pain 

Blood tests are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis for several reasons:

• Early Detection

Blood tests for arthritis can detect specific markers and indicators of inflammation and immune system activity even before symptoms become apparent. Early detection is essential for initiating timely treatment, which can help prevent further joint damage.

• Differentiation of Arthritis Types

There are various types of arthritis, each with distinct underlying causes and mechanisms. A blood test for joint pain can help differentiate between these types, guiding clinicians toward the most appropriate treatment strategies.

• Monitoring Disease Activity

Blood tests are used to monitor the progress of arthritis and assess the effectiveness of treatment. Regular testing helps track changes in inflammation levels and other markers, allowing doctors to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

• Predicting Disease Progression

A rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis test can provide insights into the likelihood of disease progression and the potential development of complications. This information helps both patients and healthcare providers prepare for the future.

Before moving ahead, let’s understand the causes and symptoms of joint pain. 

Causes of Joint Pain 

Many conditions can cause joint pain. Additionally, the cause of joint pain varies among the different types. 

• Injury- A fracture, sprain, strain, or excessive efforts of the joints are common reasons for an injury.
• Viral Infection—Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common viral infection that causes health problems, including joint pain. Studies have found that people with HCV have rheumatoid diseases. 
• Disease- Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, and common symptoms include muscle and joint pain. 

Symptoms of Joint Pain 

These causes can cause symptoms, and early detection can help prevent them. The following are symptoms of joint pain. 

• Pain 
• Stiffness 
• Decreased range of motion
• Grating sensation 
• Bone spurs 
• Swelling, redness, or warmth 

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test 

An ESR test locates the inflammation level in your body. This test measures how quickly erythrocytes (present in red blood cells) separate from other cells much faster. This rheumatoid arthritis blood test result can be high or low. A low ESR level can indicate low levels of inflammation, while a high ESR indicates high levels of inflammation. 

Here is a detailed description of the ESR test. 

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test	Details
Also Known as	Sed Rate, ESR
Purpose	To determine inflammation & diagnose disease-causing inflammation
Sample	Blood
Preparation	No special preparation; however, inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any medications.
Reports TAT	10 hours
Result Value	Millimeters per hour (mm/hr)
Normal Value	≤15 mm/hr for males and ≤ 20 mm/hr for females
Result Interpretation	A higher ESR range indicates more inflammation in your body.

C-reactive Protein (CRP) Test 

Your liver, which works in your immune system, produces CRP protein as the response to the infection. A CRP test looks for the level of CRP protein in your blood. Rheumatoid arthritis blood test results can confirm whether RA is possible. Here is a detailed description of the CRP test.

C-reactive protein (CRP) Test	Details
Also Known as	Protein C-Reactive
Purpose	Measure CRP levels in the blood.
Sample	Blood
Preparation	No special preparation is required.
Reports TAT	10 hours
Result Value	Milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Normal Value	Less than 0.3 mg/L
Result Interpretation	A high CRP level may indicate autoimmune disease, bacterial infection, heart attack, or severe infection.

Complete Blood Count Test 

CBC test, or full body count, evaluates the cells that make up your blood. This includes white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. RA rarely disrupts your blood cells. However, some symptoms do. CBC rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis test can detect, prevent, and manage the symptoms of RA early. Here is a detailed description of the CBC test. 

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test	Details
Also Known as	Blood count, complete blood picture
Purpose	Measure blood components to diagnose various disorders.
Sample	Blood
Preparation	No special preparation is required
Reports TAT	12 hours
Result Value	cells/mcL
Normal Value	Hematocrit: 40.7–50.3% for men, 36.1–44.3% for women.  Hemoglobin: 13.8–17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for men, 12.1–15.1 g/dL for women.  MCV: 80–95 femtoliter MCH: 27–31 pg/cell MCHC: 32–36 gm/dL
Result Interpretation	Diagnose medical conditions

Anti Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies (Anti CCP) Test 

Cyclic citrulinated peptide antibodies are a type of immune system protein called an autoantibody. Autoantibodies are abnormal proteins that attack healthy tissues and blood cells. An anti-CCP test can determine the severity of the rheumatoid arthritis cases and prevent its complexity. Here is a detailed description of the anti-CCP test.

Anti-CCP Test	Details
Also Known as	Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody test
Purpose	Measure the level of anti-CCP antibodies in the blood.
Sample	Blood
Preparation	Don’t take any over-the-counter medicine without confirming with your doctor
Reports TAT	24 hours
Result Value	u/mL
Normal Value	Below 20 u/mL
Result Interpretation	If the levels are higher than this standard range, indicating the possibility of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Factor (RA) Quantitative Test

Rheumatoid Factors are immune system proteins that sometimes attack the healthy tissue in your body. A RA factor test measures the level of rheumatoid factor proteins in your blood. Not everyone with rheumatoid arthritis has a high level of rheumatoid factor proteins. A blood test for joint pain can help detect the level. Here is a detailed description of the RA Factor Test. 

RA Factor Test	Details
Also Known as	Rheumatoid Factor Test
Purpose	To measure rheumatoid factor in your blood sample.
Sample	Blood
Preparation	There is no specific preparation; however, wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
Reports TAT	12 Hours
Result Value	IU/mL
Normal Value	14-15 IU/mL
Result Interpretation	An abnormal value indicates a higher level of RF in the blood, which could mean rheumatoid arthritis or inflammation.

Steps to Book These Tests from Redcliffe Labs 

• Visit the website, www.redcliffelabs.com 
• Search for the specific test you need. 
• Click on ‘Book Now.’
• Fill out the required details (address and time). 
• A phlebotomist will visit your home for a sample collection. 
• Receive the test reports within no time. 

The Bottom Line 

A blood test for joint pain provides important information for identifying, diagnosing, and treatment of types of arthritis. If you experience joint pain, stiffness, or inflammation, visit the Redcliffe Labs website or app, or search for ‘Redcliffe Labs near me’ and get yourself tested. Early detection can help prevent future complications.