I was diagnosed with OA 15 yrs. ago, but have also had some RA symptoms. The lab work doesn't support an RA diagnosis, but after my recent wrist fusion surgery, the surgeon insists I do have it, regardless of what the lab work suggests! How can this be?
Q: OA patient, some RA symptoms, neg. RA labs, pos. RA surgical view
Answers (1)
6/19/09 7:59pm
Blood tests are just one of the aspects of a diagnosis for RA and tend to be used to confirm diagnosis after examination, x-rays, etc. point in that direction. Approximately 20% of people with the disease have what's called seronegative RA which means the bloodwork tests negative. You may be one of those people. You can read more about lab results and what they mean here.
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By westsideres— Last Modified: 11/16/10, First Published: 06/14/09
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