Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnostic Tests

Question 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnostic Tests

Answer 1

1. X-ray: shows bony erosion
2. Blood studies reveal (+) RF, elevated ESR and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Antinuclear antibody
3. Arthrocentesis shows synovial fluid that is cloudy, milky, or dark yellow containing numerous WBC and inflammatory proteins
4. CBC should serve as baseline data
5. Tuberculin skin test and Hepatitis B and C screening must be done and if present, treat first

Question 2

Positive RF values

Nonreactive:
Weakly reactive:
Reactive:

Answer 2

Nonreactive: 0-39 IU/ml
Weakly reactive: 40-79 IU/ml
Reactive: > 80 IU/ml