Complete Blood Count
A doctor may conduct a blood test called complete blood count to diagnose arthritis. The following information may be available from this procedure:
– Red blood cell number: A higher level of white blood cells indicates a possible infection.
– Red blood cell number: Chronic inflammation caused by arthritis would lead to a low number of red blood cells.
– Platelet number: This measurement is typically high in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Several potent drugs for treating arthritis would also reduce the number of platelets in the blood.
– Hematocrit and hemoglobin: A low number of both components may suggest anemia, which is linked to arthritis or other chronic conditions. [2]
