Aches and Pains Blood Test

Muscle, bone, and joint pains are common, varying from minor annoyances to conditions that significantly impair daily life. While it's common to attribute such discomfort to the rigours of an active lifestyle or the natural ageing process, there are instances where these pains stem from a medical condition that can be treated. This is especially true for individuals with a family history of inflammatory arthritis or those experiencing swollen or stiff joints, particularly in the morning.

Our comprehensive testing targets a range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. C-reactive protein (CRP) serves as a broad indicator of inflammation, helping to determine if autoimmune or inflammatory factors are at the root of your discomfort. Rheumatoid factor is a specialised marker used to identify rheumatoid arthritis.

Uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism in your diet, can accumulate to high levels, leading to gout, characterised by intensely painful and swollen joints. Ferritin levels can be elevated in haemochromatosis, a less common source of joint pain that may also affect liver health. Creatinine kinase (CK) is indicative of muscle damage or inflammation and is often elevated in conditions known as myositis.

Additionally, imbalances in calcium levels and micronutrient metabolism can contribute to aches and pains. To investigate these potential causes, we assess your calcium levels and the activity of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme crucial for bone metabolism, providing a thorough evaluation to guide effective treatment strategies.

Even if your blood tests are normal, you should see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms below because they may be a sign of serious underlying illness:

• Red, hot and swollen joints
• Joint pains and fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling generally unwell with your joint pains

Wait for any symptoms of short-term illness to settle before you take this test. If you take biotin supplements, stop taking these for 72 hours before the test.

Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours before the test.

There is a larger failure rate for some biomarkers in capillary testing (hemolysis etc). For platelets (PLT) measurement we recommend a walk-in venous sample.

If my RF is high positive, do I have rheumatoid arthritis? 

A high positive rheumatoid factor (RF) does not definitively indicate rheumatoid arthritis. It's essential to consider this result in conjunction with your symptoms. While it's possible to have a positive RF without experiencing any symptoms, it could suggest an increased likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis later on. 

How is vitamin D deficiency treated? 

This is not part of the test, but generally low levels of vitamin D are very common in the UK. We get most of our vitamin D from exposure to sunlight so our indoor lifestyles and the low levels of sunshine in the UK lead to vitamin D deficiency, particularly in the winter months. Vitamin D supplements are readily available over the counter and will improve your vitamin D levels.

What should I do if my uric acid is high?

If your uric acid levels are elevated, you're at an increased risk for gout attacks, which can be intensely painful. There are several steps you can take to reduce your uric acid levels, primarily through diet and lifestyle modifications. Should your levels persistently remain high despite these adjustments, consulting your doctor is advisable. They can prescribe medication to help lower your uric acid levels effectively.

• You are suffering from widespread or recurrent aches and pains.
• You are worried about a family history of inflammatory arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.

If you're experiencing persistent or widespread joint and muscle pains that are challenging to pinpoint, this test is designed to uncover any serious underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your symptoms.

Additionally, it serves as a valuable assessment for individuals with a family history of autoimmune conditions or inflammatory arthritis, helping to identify potential risks and guide appropriate medical care.