Why get tested? To help in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and differentiate it from other types of arthritis; sometimes to help evaluate the prognosis of a patient with RA
When to get tested? If a patient has joint inflammation and/or undiagnosed or undifferentiated inflammatory polyarthritis (symptoms may suggest but do not yet meet the criteria of RA) and the doctor suspects RA
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
