Osteoarthritis lab tests

Osteoarthritis is probably the most type of arthritis seen by most rheumatologists. Laboratory tests can be used to supplement the history and physical examination and confirm the diagnosis.

Laboratory tests used for the workup of arthritis are usually normal or negative. These include complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid function test, anti-nuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, uric acid, and urinalysis.

Other tests include:

• Joint aspiration (or arthrocentesis). This involves draining fluid from the joint for examination. It can help rule out other medical conditions. After applying a local anesthetic, your doctor will insert a needle into the joint and withdraw fluid. The fluid will be examined for evidence of crystals or joint deterioration.
• X-rays. X-rays are used to highlight damage or other changes to cartilage and bone that indicate OA.
• MRI or magnetic resonance imaging. This is essentially a more sophisticated way than X-rays of taking a picture of the abnormalities that can occur due to OA. You lie on a table that slides inside a tunnel-like area that creates a magnetic field around you. It shows more detail than X-rays, without the radiation risk, but it is more expensive as well.


Because there is no sure-fire test that diagnosis osteoarthritis, your doctor will use your medical history, physical exam and lab test results to look for indicators of OA, including:

• Pain, stiffness and limited movement in affected joints.
• Bony enlargement of the affected joints
• X-rays that might show formation of bone spurs
• Narrowing of the joint space from cartilage loss shown on an X-ray.


Make sure you get the proper information about your diagnosis from your doctor before you leave the office. This includes basic information about your condition and its management. Make sure you ask the following:

• The results of your tests and what these results indicate
• Your treatment options and how they work
• When you should expect results from a prescribed treatment
• Possible side effects of any medications and what to do if you experience side effects
• Which changes in symptoms you should report to your doctor
• Appropriate types of exercise and any lifestyle changes you should make
• Resources for additional information
• When to make your next appointment and what to do between now and then

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