Arthritis Profile

A Serum Calcium test measures the levels of calcium in the body. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body; most of it is present in the bones and teeth, and the remaining portion (around 1%) is found in the blood. It is usually present in two forms in blood in about equal amounts: "bound calcium," which is attached to proteins in the blood, and "free calcium or ionized calcium," which is not attached to any protein. 

A Serum Calcium test cannot be used to check for lack of calcium in your diet or osteoporosis (loss of calcium from bones) as the body can have normal calcium levels even in dietary calcium deficiency. Moreover, the body can normalize mild calcium deficiency by releasing the calcium stored in bones.

The Phosphorus, Serum test is used to evaluate the level of phosphorus in your blood. Phosphorus is an inherent component of all living cells in the system and most, 85 percent, is located in the tissues of bones and teeth, while the remaining 15 percent is part of the blood and other soft tissues. Your body obtains its daily phosphorus requirements through dietary sources and under normal conditions, once the necessary amounts of phosphorus are absorbed by the cells and tissues, the remaining is eliminated via the urine.

Besides consuming a wholesome diet enriched with sufficient amounts of phosphorus, it is also important to ensure ample intake of calcium and vitamin D, to maintain overall health.

A Uric Acid test determines the level of uric acid in your body. Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine. Purines are present as nitrogenous bases in the DNA and are also found in food like red meat and seafood.

Most uric acid dissolves in the blood and goes into your kidneys. From there, it passes through your body via the urine. Decreased elimination of uric acid is often a result of impaired kidney function due to kidney disease. In many cases, the exact cause of excess uric acid is unknown. Doctors seldom need to test for low levels of uric acid.

A CRP test measures the levels of C-reactive protein in your body. This test helps detect the presence of inflammation in the body. It is a non-specific test as it cannot diagnose a condition by itself or determine its exact location or cause. 

CRP is an acute phase reactant protein produced by the liver in response to an inflammation in the body. This inflammation may be due to tissue injury, infection, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. CRP levels are often increased before the onset of other symptoms of inflammation, such as pain, redness, fever, or swelling. These levels fall as the inflammation subsides.

A Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test detects and measures the concentration of rheumatoid factor (RF), an antibody produced by the immune system, in your blood. Increased levels of rheumatoid factor can be detected in the blood in certain autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. However, an RF test is not very specific as a rheumatoid factor can also be found in the body in diseases other than RA, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). RF may also be produced in the body during persistent bacterial and viral infections. Hence, clinical evaluation and other diagnostic tests are crucial for a comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis.