Rheumatology Check blood test in Chiswick
The Rheumatology Check measures anti-CCP antibodies, rheumatoid factor, ESR and uric acid, giving a focused first look for people with joint pain, stiffness or swelling who want to understand possible causes.
What the test measures
Joint symptoms have many causes, from wear and tear to inflammatory arthritis and gout. This check brings together four markers often requested when joints are painful or swollen. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) are antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-CCP is the more specific of the two, while RF can also be found in other conditions and in some healthy people.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a general marker of inflammation. Uric acid is a waste product that, at high levels, can form crystals in a joint and cause gout, typically a sudden, very painful swollen joint such as the big toe.
The price includes your sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness that lasts longer than half an hour.
- Several small joints in your hands or feet feel painful or puffy.
- You have had a sudden, hot, swollen joint and wonder whether it could be gout.
- A close relative has rheumatoid arthritis and you want to discuss your own symptoms.
- You want a focused set of joint markers before deciding on a wider panel.
Understanding your result
Each result appears in your report beside the laboratory reference range. A positive anti-CCP, especially with a positive RF, increases the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis, but diagnosis depends on examination, symptoms and sometimes imaging. A raised uric acid supports gout in the right setting, though many people with high uric acid never have gout, and levels can be normal during an attack.
A negative result does not exclude inflammatory arthritis, as some people test negative for both antibodies. On its own, an out-of-range figure is something to discuss, not a diagnosis. NICE advises that anyone with persistent joint swelling should be referred promptly, so please see your GP if this applies.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed for this check. Some people prefer to avoid a large meal rich in red meat, offal or alcohol the evening before, as these can raise uric acid. Tell us about diuretics, low-dose aspirin, gout treatment or steroids, which can affect results.
If you would like a wider set of antibodies, see the Rheumatology Extended on our every blood test and price in Chiswick page, or consider the Sports Performance check if your joint symptoms are linked to training.
Questions
How much is a Rheumatology Check in Chiswick?
The Rheumatology Check costs £79 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. This covers your blood sample, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
Can this test diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
No blood test alone diagnoses rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-CCP and RF support the diagnosis, which is made by a doctor using examination, symptoms and sometimes imaging.
Should I test during a flare of gout?
Uric acid can fall during an attack, so it is often more informative a few weeks after the flare has settled. Your practitioner can advise on timing.
What is the difference between RF and anti-CCP?
Both are antibodies linked with rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-CCP is more specific, while RF is less specific and can be raised in other conditions and with age.
