Chapter: Medicine and surgery: Musculoskeletal system

Laboratory investigations - Investigations and procedures

Although some of the available tests used in diagnosis of rheumatological conditions are diagnostic, most have limited value as they may be present in multiple conditions.

Investigations and procedures

Laboratory investigations

Although some of the available tests used in diagnosis of rheumatological conditions are diagnostic, most have limited value as they may be present in multiple conditions (non-specific), or they may only be present in some of the patients with the disease (non-sensitive). Combining tests may allow a clinical diagnosis to be confimed (see Table 8.1).

Rheumatoid factor: These are antibodies of any class directed against the Fc portion of immunoglobulins. The routine laboratory test detects only IgM antibodies, which agglutinate latex particles or red cells opsonised with IgG. It is the presence of these IgM rheumatoid factor antibodies that is used to describe a patient as seropositive or seronegative. Seventy to eighty per cent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have IgM rheumatoid factor; however, it may also be detected in a number of other conditions. Seropositivity allows prediction of severity and the need for earlier aggressive therapy and increases the likelihood of extra-articular features.

Antinuclear and anticytoplasmic antibodies: Antibodies against multiple cellular components have been characterised and may be detected.

Study Material, Lecturing Notes, Assignment, Reference, Wiki description explanation, brief detail

Medicine and surgery: Musculoskeletal system : Laboratory investigations - Investigations and procedures |