When (not) to use tests in patients with joint pain
Joint pain is a frequent presenting complaint. Many physicians order a panel of antibodies in patients with musculoskeletal complaints screening for a rheumatic disorder. Traditionally this includes testing for presence of Rheumatoid factors (RF), antibodies against Citrullinated Cyclic Peptides (ACPA or anti-CCP) and antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) and sometime HLA-B27 and ANCA tests. Read More...