QuestionMy husband has been asked to take a blood test for results in the following
CRP, RA, and ESR what do these codes mean and what should the results read.
Thanks
AnswerHi Shairoz,
Please be aware that the information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be interpreted as medical advice. This information is being provided for informational purposes only. Your own physician is the best resource to interpret your specific laboratory results and should be consulted for medical advice regarding your own specific health condition.
RA is Rheumatoid Arthritis which is an autoimmune disease in which joint inflammation occurs for unknown reasons which causes joint pain and stiffness, among other symptoms.
Here is a picture which as an example shows the knee joint and its components that are affected by RA.
http://z.about.com/f/p/440/graphics/images/en/17129.jpg
It has a tendency to be hereditary.
More information on the diagnostic testing and treatment of RA is available from the websites below:
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm
CRP (C Reactive Protein) is a test for inflammation which is present in RA.
ESR is erythrocyte sedimentation rate which is a test run on a blood sample which determines how fast red blood cells separate from the plasma or liquid portion of the blood and fall in a capillary tube and is also a measure of the level inflammation in the body.
https://www.medfinity.com/images/categories/ESR.jpg
These tests are run in addition to a clinical evaluation by a physician to determine whether the cause of the joint pain is due to RA.
Additional information is available on these tests which are run as a screen for RA and their significance from the following website.
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/blood-tests
Below is a website which provides reference ranges on specific lab tests.
http://pathcuric1.swmed.edu/PathDemo/nrrt.htm#Hematology
Miscellaneous
The reference range value for RF is:
Rheumatoid Factor
<30 IU/mL
Thanks,
Elizabeth
