Rheumatoid arthritis — is a basic diagnostic complex that allows for a detailed assessment of the presence and severity of inflammatory and autoimmune processes in the body, to establish the possible nature of damage to the joints and cardiovascular system, and to differentiate metabolic disorders from systemic connective tissue diseases.

Joint and connective tissue diseases often have similar clinical manifestations (pain, swelling, stiffness of movements), but require fundamentally different treatments. A comprehensive assessment of four key indicators allows you to quickly establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy.

The complex includes the following indicators:

C-reactive protein (CRP): the most sensitive marker of the acute phase of inflammation, which responds to the pathological process much faster than ESR.
Antistreptolysin-O (ASLO, ASLO): antibodies to group A streptococcus, indicating past or current infection streptococcal infection and the risk of developing rheumatism and glomerulonephritis.
Rheumatoid factor (RF): autoantibodies directed against one's own immunoglobulins, the main marker of rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic autoimmune pathologies.
Uric Acid: the end product of purine metabolism; its elevation is the main cause of gout and kidney stone formation.

What is this study for?

Early diagnosis of joint diseases: Detection of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, rheumatism, psoriatic arthritis and systemic connective tissue diseases.
Finding out the causes of joint pain: Differential diagnosis of inflammatory (arthritis) and degenerative (arthrosis) lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
Assessment of complications after streptococcal infection: Monitoring the condition after suffering from angina, pharyngitis or erysipelas to prevent rheumatic heart and kidney damage.
Monitoring inflammation activity: Assessment of the severity of autoimmune and inflammatory processes in dynamics.
Monitoring the effectiveness of therapy: Evaluation of treatment results with anti-inflammatory, basic rheumatological and uricosuric drugs.

Who is recommended to take the test?

Patients with pain, swelling, redness, or morning stiffness in the joints (both small joints of the hands and feet and large joints).
For people with kidney pain, lower back pain, or suspected urinary stone formation.
Patients who have recently had a streptococcal infection (tonsillitis, scarlet fever, erysipelas) and experience pain in the joints or heart area.
Individuals with confirmed autoimmune diseases to assess the degree of activity of the process.
Patients with prolonged fever of unknown origin, chronic fatigue, muscle pain.

Preparation for the study

Material: Venous blood.
On an empty stomach: Blood is donated in the morning on a strictly empty stomach (after an 8–12-hour overnight fast). It is allowed to drink clean, non-carbonated water.
Dietary restrictions: 24–48 hours before the test, exclude fatty foods, alcohol, and foods rich in purines (red meat, liver, kidneys, seafood, legumes, beer) from your diet.
Physical and emotional stress: On the eve, refrain from heavy training, saunas, and emotional stress.
Smoking: Do not smoke for 1–2 hours before blood collection.

Interpretation of results

Important: The results are evaluated comprehensively. A single deviation in one of the indicators requires comparison with the clinical picture and other markers of the complex.

Possible reasons for deviation of indicators:

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP): Acute and chronic inflammatory processes of any localization, bacterial and viral infections, exacerbation of autoimmune diseases, injuries, postoperative period.
Elevated Antistreptolysin-O (ASTO): Recent or current streptococcal disease (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, erysipelas), acute rheumatic fever, chronic tonsillitis, streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Increased Rheumatoid Factor (RF): Rheumatoid arthritis (found in 70–80% patients), Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma, dermatomyositis, chronic infections.
Increased Uric Acid: Gout, kidney failure, taking certain diuretics, eating a large amount of foods high in purines, hyperuricemia against the background of massive tissue breakdown.

Take the "Rheumproba" test at the Medi Lab Plus medical laboratory for an accurate and prompt assessment of the condition of your joints, connective tissue, and immune system.