What Blood Tests Should I Get for Joint Pain?

The most recommended blood tests for joint pain are hs-CRP, sed rate, rheumatoid factor, ANA, uric acid, and a CBC. These distinguish between inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune disease, and gout — the most common treatable causes of persistent joint pain.

Possible Causes

Rheumatoid ArthritisLupus MonitoringHypothyroidism

Recommended Tests

hs-CRP

$13

Measures inflammation marker associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Low-grade inflammation indicator.

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ESR

$7

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate measures inflammation. Elevated in infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

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RF

$9

Antibody often elevated in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

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ANA

$15

ANA screen by IFA method with automatic reflex to titer and pattern if positive. The standard autoimmune screening test.

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Uric Acid

$5

Measures uric acid levels. Elevated levels can indicate gout risk or kidney issues.

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CBC w/ Diff

$5

Comprehensive blood cell analysis including red cells, white cells, platelets, and white cell differential.

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CMP

$10

Measures 14 substances including glucose, electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers.

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When to See a Doctor

If your joint pain is severe, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by alarming symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, high fever), seek immediate medical attention. Blood tests are a valuable first step, but they don't replace evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Symptoms

FatigueMuscle WeaknessBloatingNight Sweats

Related Articles

Lab Tests for Inflammation: What to Order

CRP, sed rate, and ANA — which inflammation markers to test and what they reveal.

Rheumatoid Factor Blood Test: What to Know

What a positive rheumatoid factor means and when seronegative RA is still possible.

Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.