Antinuclear antibody - This test measures blood levels of various antibodies, which may be present in persons with some types of arthritis., Arthrocentesis (also called joint aspiration). - This is an exam of joint fluid. A thin needle is inserted into the joint. Synovial fluid is removed with a syringe and examined for cell counts, crystal analysis, culture, and other tests., Complement tests - This test measures the level of complement, a group of proteins in the blood. It is used to help diagnose and monitor systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis., Complete blood count - Measures the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets present in a sample of blood. A low white blood count (leukopenia), low red blood count (anemia), or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) are associated with some forms of arthritis or the medications to treat them., Creatinine - A blood test to monitor for underlying kidney disease., C-reactive protein - This is a protein that is elevated when there is inflammation in the body as in some types of arthritis., Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (also called ESR or sed rate). - This measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. It is also elevated when there is inflammation in the body. This occurs in some types of arthritis., Hematocrit (PCV, packed cell volume) - Measures the number of red blood cells present in a sample of blood. Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) are common in people with some types of arthritis., Rheumatoid factor - Checks for an antibody that is present in most people with rheumatoid arthritis., Urinalysis - Laboratory examination of urine to check for kidney disease that may be associated with several types of arthritis., Uric acid - It is elevated in gout., X-ray - X-rays may show joint changes and bone damage found in some types of arthritis. Other imaging tests may also be done., Ultrasound - Ultrasound uses sound waves (not radiation) to see the quality of synovial tissue, tendons, ligaments, and bones., Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - MRI images are more detailed than X-rays. They may show damage to joints, including muscles, ligaments, and cartilage., Arthroscopy - This procedure uses a thin tube containing a light and camera (arthroscope) to look inside the joint. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen. It is used to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joint; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation, and to treat certain conditions.,

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