Lab Tests.
Last updated Tuesday, January 04, 2005
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About lab tests and arthritisGoals of lab tests Laboratory tests are often used to evaluate patients with arthritis.
These may help determine whether or not a patient has arthritis, and if
so, what type; how well he or she is responding to treatment; and to
make sure that no serious side effects are occurring.
Even aspirin, which often is the first medication used to treat many
types of arthritis, and can be bought at the corner drugstore, can
create serious side effects. Some of these side effects are more
obvious than others. The more obvious side effects of aspirin and other
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
may include ringing in the ears, easy bruising or bleeding, nausea, or
vomiting. Other side effects, like kidney or liver damage, may not be
as obvious. Effectiveness of lab tests It is important to realize that none of the tests are perfect, and none
alone will prove that a certain kind of arthritis is or is not present.
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