Rheumatology Laboratory Tests A Piece of the Rheumatic Disease Diagnostic Puzzle

Rheumatology laboratory testing can induce anxiety for both patients and medical providers. Health care professionals, including physician assistants, are often perplexed by the laboratory testing needed to diagnose and monitor rheumatic disease. The question of which laboratory test to order, when to order which test, and what to do with the results is common. Screening diagnostic laboratory tests, including rheumatoid factors and antinuclear antibodies are important serologic tests, but other rheumatic disease-associated laboratory tests are available. A strategic approach is described for ordering rheumatology laboratory tests, enabling clinicians to have confidence when caring for persons with rheumatic conditions.