Rheumatologic diseases include a group of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders that primarily affect joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and Sjögren’s syndrome may cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and in some cases, they can lead to chronic and severe damage to internal organs and tissues.

To diagnose these diseases, a series of laboratory tests are used, each providing valuable information about the immune system’s status and the level of inflammation in the body. Blood tests to assess levels of inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are employed to detect and monitor the severity of inflammation. Additionally, specific tests such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are crucial for diagnosing certain autoimmune conditions.

Genetic tests may also be helpful in identifying hereditary diseases or predicting the body’s response to treatment in specific cases. Combining laboratory results with clinical evaluations and imaging studies, including MRI and X-rays, enables physicians to provide accurate diagnoses and design effective treatment plans tailored to each patient.