Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Small blood count
- Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
- Urine status (rapid test for: nitrite, protein, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes) incl. sediment, if necessary urine culture (pathogen detection and resistogram, that is, testing of suitable antibiotics for sensitivity / resistance).
- Uric acid
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Renal parameters – urea, creatinine (creatinine clearance if necessary).
- Anti-citrulline antibodies – if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected.
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – when rheumatoid diseases are suspected.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF)
- Infectious serology – if previous infection is suspected: Chlamydia, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Yersinia, Salmonella.
- Joint puncture with bacteriological, microscopic and chemical / immunological examination – on suspicion of bacterial arthritis, hemarthrosis (disease of a joint by repeated and persistent bleeding), gout (due toSynovia analysis).
- Microbiological smears and/or cultures (aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures; 2 times 2 or better 3 times 2 blood cultures) – if septic arthritis is suspected.
