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Tests

A diagnosis of reactive arthritis is based on the someone's clinical history and on examination. There are tests that can be used to rule out other diseases:

  • X-ray or other imaging such as MRI – to examine the joint for any damage or inflammation
  • FBC – to look for excess white cells which may suggest infection
  • ESR – may rise with inflammation
  • CRP – may rise with inflammation
  • Rheumatoid factor – to help rule out other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Autoantibodies – to help rule out systemic lupus erythematosus
  • HLA-B27 — a genetic test that can show if someone is at risk
  • Synovial fluid analysis – examination of joint fluid can show alternative diseases such as infection or crystals within the joint

It is also possible to look for the infection which triggered the reaction:


Last Review Date: January 13, 2020