A simple an inexpensive blood test for the most common form of arthritis has been developed by British scientists.
It is hoped it will be possible diagnose osteoarthritis up to a decade earlier than current techniques, just by analysing a single drop of blood.
Caught early, even something as simple as losing weight could slow progression of the painful and debilitating condition.
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is caused by wear and tear of cartilage that helps our joints take the strain of bending, lifting, gripping and kneeling.
There is no specific test for it and it is often not diagnosed until it has reached such a late stage that the joints are so badly damaged that surgery is the only option.
The breakthrough, from Warwick University, involves using a single drop of blood to look for tell-tale signs of the condition.
Scientists have shown the blood from people with osteoarthritis contains higher levels of two compounds than samples from healthy people.
The test, which could cost as little as £50 and uses equipment common in hospital labs, is ‘very accurate’.
It correctly diagnosed the condition in 22 out of 30 people, the journal Nature Scientific Reports says.
Importantly, it is able to spot the disease early in its progression and rule out other possible causes of joint pain.
Lead researcher Dr Naila Rabbani said: ‘This is a remarkable and unexpected finding.
‘It could help bring early-stage and appropriate treatment for arthritis, which gives the best chance of effective treatment.’
The Latest on: Arthritis blood test
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Arthritis blood test” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Arthritis blood test
- Preparing for an allergic reactionon March 28, 2024 at 11:14 am
Allergic reactions can range from irritating sneezing fits to life-threatening episodes. An allergy specialist with Baylor College of Medicine gives ...
- What Is Plaque Psoriasis?on March 28, 2024 at 9:00 am
Plaque psoriasis causes inflamed patches on your skin, which may become itchy or cracked. Treatment can help reduce symptoms and appearance.
- New Study Links Arthritis to Tryptophan Consumptionon March 27, 2024 at 11:23 pm
When broken down by gut bacteria, the essential amino acid produces a compound that could potentially trigger arthritis. Getty Images Step away from the turkey. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid ...
- Cannabis, Arthritis, and Eye Health with Dr. Fred Harveyon March 27, 2024 at 8:27 am
Dr. Fred Harvey delves into a variety of health topics, offering insights on medical cannabis, dietary recommendations for managing psoriatic arthritis, and the benefits of specific supplements for ...
- Medical Tests Every Couple Should Get Done Before Getting Marriedon March 27, 2024 at 5:16 am
Before embarking on the journey of togetherness it is important for couples to get the following medical tests done before marriage ...
- Arthritis linked to tryptophan in new study — here’s what to eat insteadon March 27, 2024 at 4:00 am
Consider swapping turkey and gravy for Mediterranean mains such as grilled branzino to avoid the immune-triggering effects of tryptophan.
- A Blood Test That Will Screen for Colorectal Cancer Could Be Approved in 2024, New Study Sayson March 17, 2024 at 4:00 am
A blood test that will screen for colorectal cancer could be approved this year, according to a new study.
- What causes Rheumatoid arthritis and can you prevent it?on March 16, 2024 at 5:14 am
Rheumatoid arthritis is chronic, long-lasting and incurable ... you know as soon as a patient walks in the door. Blood tests can also give a good indication, if they reveal certain inflammatory ...
- LetsGetChecked Heart Health Test Review (2024)on March 14, 2024 at 5:00 pm
arthritis or other autoimmune diseases. However, the high-sensitivity CRP test is designed specifically to measure lower levels of inflammation that are better indicators of heart health (2). This ...
- Using generative AI assistant to interpret pharmacogenetic test resultson March 13, 2024 at 5:00 am
Genetic test results can be hard to understand and interpret for people without a background in genetics. Investigators at Baylor College of ...
via Bing News