It is not always easy for the doctor to be sure whether arthritis is present, because no one test can confirm the disease. So it is extremely important that you talk to your doctor about all your symptoms. These can reveal any damage to the joints caused by arthritis, and are most useful in confirming osteoarthritis. In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, an x-ray might reveal no changes or damage. There are many types, all measuring the levels of different blood cell and chemicals.
Blood tests can indicate anaemia and how much inflammation there is in the body.
Blood tests and x-rays are also used to assess how severe the disease is and whether treatment is working. If your doctor works at a large health centre, you may have these tests done there. But it is likely that you will be referred to a hospital. Other doctors you may see At the same time as sending you for tests your family doctor may refer you to an arthritis specialist at a hospital - usually a consultant rheumatologist or an orthopaedic surgeon. Or you may be referred after your test results have come through.