Question
Can blood tests all be normal and still have RA? I was diagnosed two years ago with seronegative RA and Sjogren’s Syndrome. I have very obvious swelling in my hand and wrist. Pain is mostly mild. I do have stiffness that can last several hours to all day in my hands. However, the only abnormal blood tests was a positive ANA and slight anemia; all other tests have been normal. I currently take methotrexate, plaquenil, and celebrex for the rheumatoid arthritis. I also have basal thumb arthritis and had surgery four years ago to fix that joint.
Answer
About 15-20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a negative rheumatoid factor (RF) test. A new blood test called anti-CCP has been very specific for rheumatoid arthritis and is also present in about 60-70% patients with RA. If both tests are done, then only about 10-15% of RA patients have negative blood tests. Although not always, blood tests are more likely to be negative in patients with mild disease.
