Types of self-tests

There are different types of self-tests designed to assess the risk of developing rheumatic disease.

The most common self-tests are based on a self-assessment of symptoms and risk factors and are requested in simple online questionnaires. More advanced tests allow biomarkers in the blood to be analysed at home and then sent to a laboratory.

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Online questionnaires

Questionnaires offer a quick and uncomplicated way to obtain an initial assessment. These tests ask the user questions about typical symptoms that can occur in rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The following parameters are usually asked in order to make an initial assessment of the risk of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Joint pain,
• swelling,
• stiffness of the joints in the morning or
• family history.

Based on the answers, the user receives a rough assessment of whether RA may be present. In addition, the questions asked can sensitise the user to symptoms.

The Rheuma-Check, for example, provides a questionnaire to assess the risk of rheumatism. The Rheumatism Check is a service provided by Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf University Hospital and the DGRh Rheumatism Centre Rhine-Ruhr. A rheumatism symptom test is intended to enable early detection and early treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

If a questionnaire indicates rheumatoid arthritis, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible to clarify the symptoms. This is because questionnaires are regarded as general indicators, but are not reliable tools for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.

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Blood tests for at home

As part of the medical diagnosis, blood analyses are carried out to check biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies. These biomarkers are associated with rheumatoid arthritis and are part of the diagnosis.

These blood tests are now also available for self-testing at home.

Self-tests at home are relatively easy to use. A small prick with a lancet is used to take a blood sample from the fingertip. This sample is then sent to a specialised laboratory for analysis. The results are provided within a few days. If abnormal values are found, a doctor should be consulted for further clarification.

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Limitations of self-tests

Although self-tests for RA offer many advantages, they are not without limitations. One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of accuracy compared to a full medical diagnosis. While blood tests can provide clues about possible RA, they do not provide complete information about joint health, disease progression or overall inflammatory activity in the body.

In addition, self-tests cannot distinguish between different forms of rheumatic diseases. For example, there are several rheumatic diseases that have similar symptoms to RA, such as psoriatic arthritis or gout. A positive self-test therefore does not necessarily mean that rheumatoid arthritis is present, but merely that further medical clarification is required.

In addition, self-tests can also provide a false sense of security, especially if the test results are negative even though symptoms are present. It is possible that a rheumatic disease is present even if the test result is negative. It is therefore important that those affected consult a doctor if they notice unusual symptoms despite a negative test result.