Which test is commonly utilized to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?

The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is specifically used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. This test detects the presence of rheumatoid factor, which is an antibody that can be found in the blood of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Although not all individuals with rheumatoid arthritis will test positive for rheumatoid factor, a significant number of them will, making this test a valuable tool in the diagnostic process.

The other tests mentioned serve different purposes. The BUN test primarily assesses kidney function and does not provide information concerning the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. A complete blood count (CBC) can indicate the general health of a patient and might suggest inflammation but does not specifically diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Lastly, an electrolyte panel is used to evaluate the levels of key electrolytes in the body, which is unrelated to the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.