DNA Testing for Rheumatoid Arthritis

DNA Testing for Rheumatoid Arthritis

This Test is not Available

Genetic health testing is a physician ordered test in the USA. The physician in question will need to authorise the testing. IBDNA does not provide this test to USA residents.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition affecting more than 350,000 people in the UK and predominantly occurs in women aged 40 years or over. The condition causes inflammation of the joints, which can result in considerable pain, lethargy and general illness. As is the nature of many other such autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis develops when the human body’s immune system targets and attacks the linings of joints. Very often, a bout of rheumatoid arthritis will be referred to as a ‘flare-up’, which suggests that the condition is sporadic in nature. However, there is no known cure at present for rheumatoid arthritis and modern medicine is only able to slow its development.

Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is important in so much as the earlier treatment can begin the better. DNA testing rheumatoid arthritis is useful for establishing an early diagnosis as it has been revealed that those suffering from the condition have a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, studies have found that up to 70% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers will have the genetic markers HLA-DR4 or HLA-DR1, which are thought to be at the root of most cases of the disease. Other factors that may stimulate the onset of rheumatoid arthritis include a hyperactive immune system, which would not necessarily require a genetic precursor. As such, it is argued that genetic predisposition DNA testing for rheumatoid arthritis can lead to a pre-symptomatic diagnosis and an increased understanding of how the condition develops in the majority of patients, whilst a cure may also be attainable.

For support and more information about rheumatoid arthritis, please visit the American College of Rheumatology website.

Genetic Health Testing and The FDA – Important Note

Genetic health testing is a physician ordered test in the USA. The physician in question will need to authorise the testing. IBDNA does not provide this test to USA residents.