Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Panel
Also known as: RA PNL
Use
The Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Panel is intended for the workup of suspected rheumatoid arthritis or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritides. The panel includes tests that detect antibodies commonly associated with RA, helping in the diagnosis and management of the disease. These antibodies include rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, which are specific markers for RA. The presence of these autoantibodies can correlate with disease activity and may be present in the preclinical phase of RA, associated with disease progression and joint destruction.
Special Instructions
For optimal accuracy, a fasting specimen is preferred before sample collection. Ensure that the serum is properly clotted and centrifuged before transferring to the transport tube. Use only Serum Separator Tube (SST) to collect the serum sample. Refrigerated conditions are required for specimen storage and transport to maintain sample integrity.
Limitations
This test has certain limitations, including potential cross-reactivity or false positives in conditions other than RA. While the presence of these antibodies is a strong indicator of RA, they can also be present in other inflammatory conditions or overlapping syndromes. Additionally, not all RA patients will test positive for these autoantibodies, and results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical presentation and other diagnostic tests. Patients with weak positive results should be monitored, and it is recommended to repeat testing.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11572-5
- 57093-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Serum separator tube (SST)
Collection Instructions
Allow serum to clot completely at room temperature before centrifuging. Transfer to an ARUP standard transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Fasting specimen preferred.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, icteric, or severely lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 month (should not be thawed more than once) |