From: Development of an interdisciplinary early rheumatoid arthritis care pathway
Laboratory investigations | Rationale |
---|---|
CBC | Evaluate for any baseline abnormalities including cytopenia (e.g., anemia of chronic disease, neutropenia) |
Serology: RF, anti-CCP | Assist with the diagnosis and prognosis of early RA |
Inflammatory markers: CRP, ESR * | Assist with ascertaining diagnosis and disease activity |
Additional serology: ANA, ENA | May be warranted in certain clinical scenarios to ascertain overlap syndromes or alternative diagnoses |
Renal function: creatinine/GFR, urinalysis | Identify pre-existing renal disease which could complicate therapy |
Liver function: albumin, ALP, ALT | Identify pre-existing liver disease which could complicate therapy |
Hepatitis screening: Hepatitis B Sag, Hepatitis B Sab, Hepatitis B Core, HCV | Identify pre-existing hepatitis which could complicate therapy |
HIV | Depends on risk factors |
QuantiFERON | Screen for tuberculosis |
Imaging** | Â |
X-ray of hands/wrists | Identify damage from RA and evaluate any other findings indicative of an alternative diagnosis (e.g., psoriatic arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis) |
X-ray of ankles/feet | Identify damage from RA and evaluate any other findings indicative of an alternative diagnosis (e.g., psoriatic arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis) |
Chest X-ray | Screen for tuberculosis and other pre-existing lung pathology (e.g., ILD) |