All questions about Rheumatoid arthritis

How is it diagnosed?

By a rheumatologist, putting together the examination, blood tests and scans. No single blood test proves or rules it out.

Blood tests look for inflammation (ESR, CRP), anaemia, and antibodies: rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP. More than half of people with RA have rheumatoid factor at the start, but about one in twenty people without RA test positive too. About three in ten people with RA don't have it. X-rays, ultrasound or MRI show inflammation and damage.

Sources

• NHS: Rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosis
• National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS): What is RA?
• US National Institutes of Health (NIAMS): Rheumatoid arthritis
• American College of Rheumatology: Rheumatoid arthritis (patient fact sheet)

Reviewed 2026-11-09 · next review 2027-11-09