What is the Rheumatology Profile 6 (Rheumatoid Plus)?

Rheumatology Profile 6 (Rheumatoid Plus) is a targeted blood test panel designed to assess rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory joint disease. It combines autoantibodies and an inflammatory marker to improve diagnostic accuracy.

This profile includes:

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

• Anti-CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) Antibodies

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

RF and anti-CCP antibodies help identify autoimmune-driven joint inflammation, while CRP reflects the level of active systemic inflammation. Together, these markers provide a more comprehensive assessment than RF testing alone.

Why do I need a Rheumatology Profile 6 test?

Inflammatory arthritis can cause permanent joint damage if not identified and managed early. This profile helps distinguish autoimmune inflammatory arthritis from non-inflammatory joint pain.

It is especially useful when symptoms are persistent, progressive, or when early rheumatoid arthritis is suspected but diagnosis is uncertain.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Persistent joint pain or swelling

• Morning stiffness lasting longer than 60 minutes

• Symmetrical joint symptoms (hands, wrists, feet)

• Fatigue or unexplained inflammation

• Family history of rheumatoid arthritis

• Suspected early inflammatory arthritis

• Monitoring known rheumatoid disease

• Unclear cause of joint pain

Benefits of the Rheumatology Profile 6 (Rheumatoid Plus)

1. Improves rheumatoid arthritis detection
   Anti-CCP antibodies increase diagnostic specificity.

2. Identifies autoimmune joint inflammation
   RF and anti-CCP reflect immune-driven disease.

3. Assesses active inflammation
   CRP indicates current inflammatory activity.

4. Supports early diagnosis
   Early detection helps prevent joint damage.

5. Differentiates inflammatory vs mechanical pain
   Helps clarify cause of joint symptoms.

6. Useful in seronegative evaluation
   Anti-CCP may be positive when RF is negative.

7. Supports treatment planning
   Inflammation level guides clinical decisions.

8. Simple, targeted rheumatology panel
   Focused testing with high clinical value.

Step-by-step – how we offer Rheumatology Profile 6 testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood samples collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood samples collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Rheumatology Profile 6 results explained

All markers within normal range

Normal results suggest no detectable autoimmune joint antibodies or active inflammation at the time of testing. This makes active rheumatoid arthritis less likely, though early disease cannot be fully excluded.

Clinical symptoms remain important.

UK reference interpretation:

• RF: Negative

• Anti-CCP: Negative

• CRP: Within reference range

Autoantibodies detected with normal CRP

Positive RF or anti-CCP with normal CRP may indicate early or inactive autoimmune arthritis. Anti-CCP positivity is particularly specific for rheumatoid arthritis, even before inflammation becomes clinically apparent.

Monitoring and specialist input may be advised.

UK reference interpretation:

• RF and/or Anti-CCP: Positive

• CRP: Normal

Autoantibodies with raised CRP

Positive RF or anti-CCP combined with elevated CRP suggests active autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. This pattern is strongly associated with active rheumatoid arthritis and may reflect disease severity.

Prompt rheumatology assessment is often recommended.

UK reference interpretation:

• RF and/or Anti-CCP: Positive

• CRP: Elevated