Why get tested?
To help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and differentiate it from other types of arthritis; sometimes to help evaluate the prognosis of a patient with RA

When to get tested?
If a patient has joint inflammation and/or undiagnosed or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (symptoms suggest but do not yet meet the criteria of RA) and the doctor suspects RA

Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm