HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Gardner, G. C. Articles by Kadel, N. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Gardner, G. C. Articles by Kadel, N. J.

Ordering and Interpreting Rheumatologic Laboratory Tests

Dr. Gardner is Associate Professor, Division of Rheumatology, and Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Dr. Kadel is Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Reprint requests: Dr. Gardner, Division of Rheumatology, Box 356428, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195.

Many mechanical and systemic conditions can cause joint pain and synovitis. When rheumatologic illness is suspected, the initial evaluation begins with an accurate history, physical examination, and selective use of confirmatory testing, which can help avoid common pitfalls inherent in serologic evaluation. Tests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant, HLA-B27, uric acid level, and Lyme disease, either alone or in combination, may support certain diagnoses. Using these tests nonselectively may yield false-positive results, causing unnecessary concern and expense. However, using these tests effectively may reduce the number of unneeded invasive procedures.