Rheumatology Extended

Anti-CCP antibodies in the blood, which are often associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These antibodies are a type of autoantibody that targets proteins in the body, and their presence can help in diagnosing RA and distinguishing it from other types of arthritis. 

Rheumatoid factors are proteins made by the immune system. Rheumatoid factor is one of a group of blood tests mainly used to help pinpoint a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. 

A waste product left over from normal chemical processes in the body and found in the urine and blood.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a test that detects inflammation in the body. It measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube – faster rates can indicate inflammation from infections, autoimmune disease and other health issues.

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood that attack the body’s own cells and tissues, specifically those targeting the cell nucleus – typically seen in autoimmune disorders.