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?
When a doctor suspects RA in a patient who has joint inflammation and/or undiagnosed or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis, with symptoms that suggest but do not yet meet the criteria of RA

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