Arthritis Profile-II Test – Details & Precautions

The Arthritis Profile-II is used to diagnose and monitor different types of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions. This test panel includes:

1. Anti-Streptolysin O (ASO) Test
2. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
3. Rheumatoid Factor (RA) Test
4. Uric Acid (UA) Test
5. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test

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1. Anti-Streptolysin O (ASO) Test

Purpose

• Detects past or recent streptococcal infection, which can cause rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal arthritis.
• Helps diagnose rheumatic heart disease and post-streptococcal reactive arthritis.

🔹 Normal Range: <200 IU/mL
🔹 High ASO levels may indicate:

• Past or recent streptococcal infection
• Rheumatic fever
• Post-streptococcal arthritis

Precautions for ASO Test

✅ Fasting is NOT required.
✅ Inform the doctor if you have a history of recent throat infections.
✅ Avoid taking antibiotics before the test, if possible.

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2. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test

Purpose

• Measures inflammation in the body.
• Helps detect autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and infections.

🔹 Normal Range: <10 mg/L
🔹 High CRP levels may indicate:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Lupus (SLE)
• Gout or other inflammatory arthritis
• Infections or chronic inflammation

Precautions for CRP Test

✅ Fasting is NOT required.
✅ Avoid heavy exercise before the test (it can elevate CRP levels).
✅ If you have a cold, flu, or infection, inform your doctor.

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3. Rheumatoid Factor (RA) Test

Purpose

• Detects rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood.
• Helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases.

🔹 Normal Range: <14 IU/mL
🔹 High RA levels may indicate:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Lupus (SLE)
• Chronic infections

Precautions for RA Test

✅ Fasting is NOT required.
✅ Some healthy individuals may have a slightly positive RA factor without any disease.

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4. Uric Acid (UA) Test

Purpose

• Measures the uric acid levels in the blood.
• High uric acid can cause gout, leading to painful joint inflammation.

🔹 Normal Range:

• Men: 3.4 – 7.0 mg/dL
• Women: 2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL

🔹 High Uric Acid levels may indicate:

• Gout (inflammatory arthritis due to uric acid crystals)
• Kidney disease
• Dehydration
• High-purine diet (red meat, seafood, alcohol)

Precautions for Uric Acid Test

✅ Fasting for 4–6 hours is preferred.
✅ Avoid high-purine foods (red meat, seafood, alcohol) for 24 hours before the test.
✅ Drink plenty of water before the test.

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5. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test

Purpose

• Measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a test tube, indicating inflammation.
• Helps detect autoimmune diseases, infections, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

🔹 Normal Range:

• Men: 0 – 15 mm/hr
• Women: 0 – 20 mm/hr

🔹 High ESR levels may indicate:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Lupus (SLE)
• Gout or other inflammatory arthritis
• Chronic infections

Precautions for ESR Test

✅ Fasting is NOT required.
✅ Avoid heavy exercise before the test, as it may temporarily increase ESR levels.
✅ If you have an infection or fever, inform your doctor, as it may cause a high ESR.

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Final Notes:

• High ASO + Joint Pain → Possible Post-Streptococcal Arthritis
• High RA + High CRP + High ESR → Suggests Rheumatoid Arthritis
• High Uric Acid + Joint Pain (especially big toe) → Suggests Gout
• High CRP & High ESR → Suggests Autoimmune or Chronic Inflammatory Disease