Rheumatoid Arthritis Panel, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC40778Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID RAPANCPT Codes 86200, 86431

Rheumatoid Arthritis Panel, Serum

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for evaluating patients suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and differentiating RA from other inflammatory arthritis or connective tissue diseases. It aids in the diagnosis and stratification of rheumatoid arthritis by testing for rheumatoid factors (RF) and anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), which are important for the early diagnosis of RA. These markers help assess disease presence, phase, and severity, thus facilitating appropriate therapeutic decisions and management strategies.

Special Instructions

This test is the optimal first-line antibody panel for evaluating patients at-risk for rheumatoid arthritis. If not ordering electronically, complete and include the Renal Diagnostics Test Request form (T830) with the specimen. Electronic ordering is preferred for efficient processing.

Limitations

Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies results may be falsely positive in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or other connective tissue diseases. Rheumatoid factors are not specific to RA and may be observed in other systemic autoimmune diseases or nonrheumatic conditions, particularly in older individuals. Antirheumatic treatment should not solely depend on these test results since elevated markers can be present in other conditions, and seronegative RA requires clinical diagnosis.

Test Details

FDA Approved