Which laboratory finding is most specific for rheumatoid arthritis?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Dermatology Week 1 Exam with comprehensive study materials. Practice with detailed questions, flashcards, and expert explanations. Boost your knowledge and confidence for the exam!

Multiple Choice

Which laboratory finding is most specific for rheumatoid arthritis?

Explanation:
Anti-CCP antibodies (ACPA) are the most specific test for rheumatoid arthritis. They target citrullinated proteins that appear in the inflamed joint, and their presence strongly supports RA—often helping confirm the diagnosis, especially in early disease. Rheumatoid factor can be positive in many people without RA and in other autoimmune diseases, so it’s sensitive but not specific. ESR is a general marker of inflammation and rises in many conditions, not just RA. ANA points to systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus and is not specific for RA. Therefore, anti-CCP antibodies provide the strongest RA-specific diagnostic signal among these options.

Anti-CCP antibodies (ACPA) are the most specific test for rheumatoid arthritis. They target citrullinated proteins that appear in the inflamed joint, and their presence strongly supports RA—often helping confirm the diagnosis, especially in early disease.

Rheumatoid factor can be positive in many people without RA and in other autoimmune diseases, so it’s sensitive but not specific. ESR is a general marker of inflammation and rises in many conditions, not just RA. ANA points to systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus and is not specific for RA. Therefore, anti-CCP antibodies provide the strongest RA-specific diagnostic signal among these options.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy