Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis
To help doctors make early diagnoses, the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism collaborated to create the 2010 Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification Criteria. Unlike the previous criteria established in 1987, the 2010 guidelines do not require the presence of rheumatoid nodules, symmetric joint symptoms, or joint erosion that is visible on X-rays or other medical imaging—changes that are typically not seen in early RA. The 2010 criteria are described below.
A total point score of 6 or more indicates rheumatoid arthritis.
Serology and acute phase reactants are measured using blood samples. Points may be added over time or retrospectively.
People with rheumatoid arthritis usually have several joints with active synovitis symptoms lasting 6 or more weeks. Synovitis is inflammation of a joint’s synovial tissue, and its symptoms can include swelling, redness, warmth, pain, and stiffness, particularly after a long period of rest. These symptoms cannot be explained by another condition, such as osteoarthritis or gout.