(910) 762-1182 | Facebook About Diseases Treated Medical Services News Contact Pay Bill LABORATORY CAA has an on-site laboratory capable of processing routine studies for general medical care. We also offer specialized autoantibody testing needed to follow patients with rheumatologic diseases. If only a portion of the lab results are performed in our office, we will draw the blood tests in our office and send them to the appropriate commercial laboratory. When paired with physical examinations, blood tests are an effective way to confirm and diagnose potential disease activity. Our on-site laboratory helps determine results, which are classified as positive or negative. If a rheumatic disease is diagnosed due to positive test results, further laboratory testing can show our physicians the extent of the disease and guide their treatment process. Antinuclear Antibody Testing Antibodies are proteins that develop in the body’s immune system to combat infectious germs. Sometimes antibodies make the mistake of identifying normal proteins in the body as “foreign,” which causes the body to attack itself. These antibodies are identified as autoantibodies, and they incorrectly work to target “normal” proteins within the nucleus of a cell. They’re also known as antinuclear antibodies, and most people have them in small amounts within the body. When there’s a large presence found, it can indicate existing autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren’s Syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, connective tissue diseases, and cases of juvenile arthritis. Sometimes patients get a “false positive” ANA test result, which means an autoimmune disease does not actually exist in the body. Certain medications trigger false positive results, so it’s important to let your doctor know about any prescriptions you’re currently taking. Testing Positive for an Autoimmune Disease If you find out you’ve tested positive for an autoimmune disease, our doctors will work with you to determine the next steps. There are many available treatments to consider, so please talk to our physicians about any and all of your concerns. DEC 1, 2020 Seven Tips for Balancing Arthritis Care with Holiday Cheer The holidays are officially here, and I don’t think we have ever been so excited for a fresh new holiday season! The holidays provide a unique opportunity to spend quality time with family, take some time off of work, revel in some downtime, and celebrate traditions. However, while this can be a joyous time, it […] Read More » NOV 2, 2020 An Arthritis-Friendly Home Makeover When you have arthritis, stiffness, pain, and swelling can make everyday tasks much more challenging. In addition, your mobility can be compromised by this chronic condition, so it’s crucial to set up your home for maximum ease and comfort. Fortunately, you can make life easier and your home more functional. Start with this room-by-room approach […] Read More » JUN 7, 2020 Eight Walking Strategies for Those That Suffer from Arthritis For those who have arthritis, exercise is excellent medicine. Low impact exercise eases joint pain, fights off fatigue, and can cause your body to release endorphins that help relieve pain and improve mindset. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to active, try walking. And there is no better time to get started […] Read More » APPOINTMENTS Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and plan to be in the office for 2 hours. Please bring the following items with you: Insurance card(s) Co-pay and/or coinsurance payment - cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Completed System Review Form Signed Payment Policy Signed HIPAA Consent/Authorization Signed Acknowledgement of Privacy Practices/Assignment of Benefits Completed Patient Registration Current medication bottles/ Medical Records from other physicians PATIENT FORMS New Patient Packet Download, view and complete our New Patient Packet DOWNLOAD PACKET Patient System Review Download, view and complete the Patient System Review Form DOWNLOAD PACKET Release Authorization Form Download, view and complete our Release Authorization Form DOWNLOAD PACKET CONTACT Carolina Arthritis 1710 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 tel. 910.762.1182 fax 910.762.1291 Hours of Operation M - Th. 8:00 am - 4:30pm GET DIRECTIONS OUR MEDICAL SERVICES BONE DENSITOMETRY INFUSIONS LABORATORY MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND CLINICAL RESEARCH X-RAYS VIEW SERVICES OUR TREATMENTS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OSTEOPOROSIS VASCULITIS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS GOUT SJOGREN’S SYNDROME SCLERODERMA SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS INSIDE CAROLINA ARTHRITIS Since its founding in 1991, Carolina Arthritis Associates has been leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune illnesses and osteoporosis. CONTACT US © 2021. Carolina Arthritis. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy Website design and hosting provided by Sage Island