Joint pain refers to swelling, flushing, high temperature in the joints,
which causes restrictions of activities. It is usually not a single disease, but
a manifestation of various diseases. The following are some laboratory tests to
diagnose the underlying cause of joint pain.
Common laboratory tests include blood routine, urine routine, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatic factor evaluation, 24-hour uric acid, LDH,
CPK, immunoglobulin test, etc.
Evaluation of laboratory result in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis:
1. Increased white blood cell count suggests that certain infections exist or
joints are involved by Rheumatoid Arthritis.
2. Urinalysis: urinary protein and increased red blood cell and white blood
cells suggest the chances of getting SLE.
3. ESR evaluation: increased blood clotting suggests rheumatic fever,
connective tissue disease or osteoarticular tuberculosis.
4. Anti-"O" test: positive result suggests rheumatic fever or nodular Lupus
Erythematosus.
5. Rheumatoid factor test: positive result suggests that as rheumatoid
arthritis or scleroderma may exist.
6. 24h urinary uric acid and uric acid test: elevated result suggests
Gout.
7. Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) suggests
Polymyositis.
8. Immunoglobulin test: elevation of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G or
immunoglobulin M may suggest connective tissue disease.
The above introduces laboratory tests and the meaning of test result. Since
joint pain may imply severe underlying disease, it is important that the
patients seek for early diagnosis and treatment. If you have some other
accompanying symptoms together with the joint pain, it will help for easier
diagnosis and evaluation of your illness condition. Any help needed, you may
contact our online service.
