1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Small blood count
- Differential blood count
- Inflammatory parameter – CRP (C-reactive protein)
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Electrolytes – calcium, phosphate
- Alkaline phosphatase [↑ in combination with Ca ↓, phosphate ↓ → rickets]
- Creatinine kinase (CK) (isoenzyme CK-MM) – the most important parameter in the detection of muscle diseases (polymyositis, dermatomyositis, but also in infectious myositis).
- Antistreptolysin titer (streptococcal antibodies) – in suspected rheumatic fever.
- Rheumatism diagnostics – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (blood sedimentation rate); rheumatoid factor (RF).
- Blood cultures – on suspicion of osteomyelitis (bone marrow inflammation), purulent arthritis (joint inflammation).
