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Private blood tests

Blood tests for arthritis

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An arthritis blood test is a group of blood tests used to investigate joint pain, swelling and stiffness. These tests look for signs of inflammation, autoimmune activity and other markers that may be associated with different types of arthritis.

There are many different types of arthritis, and blood tests can help distinguish between conditions such as:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Psoriatic arthritis

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • Gout

  • Lupus and other autoimmune conditions

If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain, stiffness, swelling or unexplained inflammation, an arthritis blood test can help investigate whether an inflammatory or autoimmune condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

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Do I need an arthritis blood test?

Blood tests are usually considered alongside your symptoms, physical examination and, where needed, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound scans.

You may benefit from arthritis blood testing if you experience:

  • Persistent joint pain.

  • Joint swelling.

  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.

  • Warm or tender joints.

  • Reduced movement or mobility.

  • Fatigue associated with joint symptoms.

  • Unexplained muscle aches.

  • Recurrent episodes of joint inflammation.

  • Symptoms affecting multiple joints.

What does an arthritis blood test involve?

Blood tests can provide important information when investigating arthritis, but they cannot diagnose every type of arthritis on their own.

Common blood tests for arthritis include:

  • Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

  • Uric Acid

  • Full Blood Count (FBC)

Full Blood Count (FBC) | From £69

A complete blood count, or full blood count, checks your blood for signs of inflammation or anaemia, which is common in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Factor (RF) | From £68

A Rheumatoid Factor blood test measures whether antibodies are targeting healthy tissue. Alone it is not a diagnostic as positive RF results can also be found in healthy individuals, or as a result of another condition.

Rheumatology Profile 1 | From £153

The Rheumatology Profile 1 panel bundles multiple joint-related markers together, providing a broader overview with just one sample.

Uric Acid Serum | From £64

This test measures the amount of uric acid in the blood. When this is high, it can accumulate as crystals inside the joints - most frequently in the big toe, causing gout.

Blood tests for arthritis: FAQs

Can I get arthritis on the NHS?

Yes, however you must be referred by a healthcare professional.

Can I get routine blood tests for tiredness?

It’s important to get routine blood tests for tiredness, especially because levels (like iron & ferritin) can go up and down quickly. Ask your doctor when they’d like to see you next at your free consultation.

Bloods Testing

Common signs of arthritis

Arthritis is actually an umbrella term that covers 100+ joint conditions that all share some similar symptoms:

Joint pain: A deep, dull ache or sharp burning sensation that may worsen after heavy activity or long periods of rest.

Stiffness: Restricted movement in the joint, which is typically most severe first thing in the morning.

Swelling and Tenderness: Fluid buildup around the joint capsule, making the area look enlarged and feel tender to the touch.

Warmth and Redness: The skin over the affected joint may feel hot or look discoloured due to localised inflammation.

Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty fully bending, straightening, or putting weight on the affected limb.

Fatigue: A persistent feeling of fatigue or exhaustion that is not relieved by sleep, often triggered by the body fighting ongoing inflammation

For more information, book your free consultation with our expert team.

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Arthritis: Specific Signs & Causes

Osteoarthritis (OA)

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones thins and breaks down. It's usually present in large, weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees, feeling worst in the morning and easing with movement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

In Rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the membrane that lines the joint capsules, causing severe, chronic inflammation that can eventually destroy bone and tissue.

Gout

While not specifically arthritis, Gout is caused by crystallised uric acid which tends to settle in the base joint of the big toe.

Your appointment: What happens during a blood test for tiredness?

Your fatigue blood test appointment will be quick and easy, so try not to worry beforehand. If you struggle with having blood tests, then you are more than welcome to bring a friend or family member along with you. Here is what you can expect from your appointment:

 

1. Book your appointment

First things first – book your appointment with one of our doctors.

2. The blood sample

Next, you will be invited to one of our CQC-registered clinics, either in Manchester or Newton-le-Willows. Here, a small blood sample will be taken. The appointment is quick, usually lasting only a few minutes.

3. Laboratory Analysis

The sample is sent to the lab, where hormone and vitamin levels are measured. In the meantime, you’ll be sent home afterwards to await the results - depending on which blood test results come back with 2-7 working days..

4. Clinician-reviewed results

Within a couple of days, you will receive your secure digital results; every report is personally reviewed and annotated by a UK-qualified clinician to provide you with clear, actionable insights.

5. Expert follow-up

From just £50, you can book back in for a GP appointment to discuss your findings in detail. This appointment will be with the medical expert who made notes on your blood tests. By doing this, you can plan the next steps in your health journey. 

Understanding your blood test results

The specific arthritis blood tests you have will depend on the symptoms you experience. Here is a rough guide to what results MAY mean - it's vital to consult with a qualified healthcare professional that knows your medical history to receive a diagnosis.

Rheumatoid Factor: a positive test indicates autoantibodies present in the blood. This is not a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis by itself, as healthy individuals may also get a positive result.

Uric Acid: A high level of uric acid (known medically as hyperuricemia) is generally defined as anything above 7.0 mg/dL (or 420 µmol/L) for men and above 6.0 mg/dL (or 360 µmol/L) for women. High levels can indicate a risk of gout - however it is by no means certain.

Treatment is available

Just know that, whatever the results, there are treatment options out there for you.

How much do private blood tests for arthritis cost?

The cost of blood tests for tiredness varies, depending on which tests you opt for, where you have the blood done and the provider you choose. At Pall Mall Medical, our private blood tests are done in our CQC-registered clinics in Manchester, Liverpool and Newton-le-Willows and start from just £45. Our doctors have decades of experience in helping patients to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions via comprehensive blood panel work, so don’t worry – you're in safe hands!

Where can I get a reliable blood test near me?

At Pall Mall Medical, you can attend your private blood tests at one of our north-west locations.

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Manchester City Centre

61 King Street, M2 4PD

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Newton-le-Willows

1 Belvedere Rd, WA12 0JJ

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Liverpool City Centre

5 St Pauls Square, L3 9SJ

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Andrews blood tests at Pall Mall

We put the patient at the heart of everything we do.

At Pall Mall Medical, you have direct access to experienced medical specialists - no GP referral required and no long waiting times.

We offer prompt diagnostics, personalised treatment plans and trusted clinical care, helping you take control of your health with confidence and clarity.

  • Care Quality Commission Regulated.
  • No waiting lists.
  • Rated 4.95 by our patients.
  • No referrals required.
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