What is a Rheumatology Profile?

The Rheumatology Profile is a blood test panel designed to investigate inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting the joints and connective tissues. It helps doctors identify immune activity linked to arthritis and other inflammatory joint disorders.

This profile typically includes:

• Anti-CCP antibodies
• Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
• Uric Acid
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Anti-CCP and Rheumatoid Factor help detect rheumatoid arthritis, while ESR measures overall inflammation in the body. Uric acid helps identify gout and metabolic causes of joint pain.

Why do I need a test for Rheumatology Profile?

Joint pain and stiffness can result from many causes, but autoimmune and inflammatory diseases need early detection to prevent joint damage and long-term disability.

This test is commonly recommended when symptoms suggest inflammatory arthritis or unexplained joint problems.

Reasons for testing include:

• Persistent joint pain or swelling
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Recurring joint inflammation
• Fatigue or general malaise
• Suspected rheumatoid arthritis
• Family history of autoimmune disease
• Recurrent gout attacks
• Unexplained inflammatory symptoms

Early diagnosis allows treatment before joints suffer irreversible damage.

Benefits of the test

1. Detects rheumatoid arthritis early

Anti-CCP antibodies can appear before severe symptoms develop.

2. Helps differentiate types of arthritis

Separates autoimmune arthritis from wear-and-tear joint disease.

3. Measures inflammation levels

ESR shows the presence of ongoing inflammation.

4. Identifies gout risk

Uric acid helps detect metabolic causes of joint pain.

5. Supports treatment monitoring

Useful to track disease activity over time.

6. Guides specialist referral

Helps determine when rheumatology review is needed.

7. Reduces diagnostic uncertainty

Combining markers improves diagnostic clarity.

8. Supports long-term joint protection

Early testing helps prevent joint damage and disability.

Expanded benefit explanation
Autoimmune arthritis can progress silently, damaging joints before diagnosis. A combined rheumatology profile improves early recognition, allowing earlier treatment and improved quality of life.

Step-by-step — How testing works

We offer two UK-wide testing options:

Clinic testing
• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• Blood sample collected by clinician
• Sample analysed in laboratory
• Results securely returned

Home or hotel visit (+£60)
• Phlebotomist visits your home, office, or hotel
• Blood sample collected on-site
• No need to travel
• Sample transported safely to lab
• Results delivered confidentially

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your results explained

Low levels

Markers are not elevated and inflammation appears minimal.

Typical UK reference values:
• ESR: <15 mm/hr (men), <20 mm/hr (women)
• Rheumatoid Factor: <20 IU/mL
• Anti-CCP: Negative (<7 U/mL)
• Uric Acid:

• Men: 200–430 µmol/L

• Women: 140–360 µmol/L

Interpretation:
Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis is less likely.

Normal levels

Inflammation and antibody markers fall within expected ranges.

Interpretation:
Symptoms may be mechanical or metabolic rather than autoimmune.

High levels

Raised inflammatory or autoimmune markers detected.

Possible findings:
• Positive Anti-CCP suggesting rheumatoid arthritis
• Elevated Rheumatoid Factor
• Raised ESR indicating inflammation
• High uric acid suggesting gout risk

Interpretation:
Further rheumatology evaluation is usually recommended.