What sample is required?
The determination is made from a venous blood sample.
Is some kind of prior preparation necessary?
For this test you do not need any special preparation.
Why do the analysis?
To aid in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to differentiate it from other forms of arthritis; sometimes to assess the prognosis of a person with RA.
When to do the analysis?
When the doctor suspects RA in a person with inflammation of the joints, with symptoms that suggest but do not meet the criteria for RA.