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Rheumatology Blood Test at Jace MedicalMuscle, bone & joints

Private blood test

Rheumatology Blood Test

Markers used when looking into joint pain and inflammatory conditions, with an extended option for more detail.

  • 4 biomarkers
  • No fasting needed
Choose your panel

Rheumatology

£69Includes sample collection

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We confirm your appointment and any preparation, such as fasting, before you attend.

What’s included

4 biomarkers in Rheumatology.

No fasting needed

Kidneys1

How well your kidneys filter waste from your blood.

  • Uric Acid

Inflammation & immunity3

Signs of inflammation in the body and how your immune system is working.

  • Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
  • Anti-CCP Antibodies

About this test

Is the Rheumatology Blood Test right for you?

Who it’s for

  • You have painful, swollen or stiff joints, particularly in your hands or feet.
  • You have had sudden attacks of severe joint pain and swelling that may be gout.
  • You have joint pain together with other symptoms such as extreme tiredness, rashes after being in the sun or mouth ulcers. The Extended option adds an ANA test, used when looking into lupus.
  • You want results to discuss with your GP before or alongside a referral to a rheumatologist.

What it can show

  • Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies are linked to rheumatoid arthritis. People who test positive for anti-CCP are very likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, and having both may suggest a more severe form.
  • ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a general marker of inflammation in the body.
  • Uric acid is used to help confirm gout, alongside your symptoms.
  • The Extended option adds antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which are found in most people with lupus and some other autoimmune conditions, and smooth muscle antibodies, which are mainly used when looking into autoimmune liver disease.

What it can’t tell you

  • No blood test can prove or rule out rheumatoid arthritis on its own. NICE advises that people with persistent swollen joints are referred to a specialist even if RF, anti-CCP and inflammation markers are normal.
  • About 1 in 20 people without rheumatoid arthritis test positive for RF.
  • A positive ANA does not mean you have lupus. About 1 in 10 healthy people test positive, so ANA is only meaningful alongside symptoms.
  • Smooth muscle antibodies are common and usually not significant if your liver function is normal. This test does not include liver function tests.
  • Uric acid can be normal during a gout attack. Results need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment are with your GP or a rheumatologist.

How it works

From booking to results in three steps.

  1. Step 1

    Request your test

    Send a booking request online or call us. We confirm your clinic, appointment time and any preparation.

  2. Step 2

    Visit the clinic

    A short appointment for professional sample collection at Greysteel or Letterkenny. No GP referral needed.

  3. Step 3

    Receive your results

    Usually within a couple of working days, emailed to you once a doctor has reviewed them.

Common questions

Questions about this test.

Both are antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis. RF is found in more than half of people with the condition but also in some healthy people, while a positive anti-CCP makes rheumatoid arthritis much more likely.

Based on 8 sources, including NHS and NICE guidance

Choose your clinic

Where would you like your test?

All clinic information
A clinician meeting with a patient at Jace Medical’s Greysteel clinicNorthern Ireland

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Greysteel Clinic

Our main clinic, on the A2 between Derry/Londonderry and Limavady, for testing, medicals and health services.

Address
Unit 1 & 2, The Vale Centre, Clooney Road, Greysteel, BT47 3GE
Opening hours
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm · Free parking at The Vale Centre
Phone
028 7116 5790
Book at Greysteel DirectionsClinic details

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Send a request and our team will confirm your clinic, appointment time, price and any preparation.

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