Some of the other tests that might be ordered include:
- Complete blood count (white cells, red cells, and platelets)
- Lab tests on blood or urine
- X-rays (to rule out breaks or damage to bones)
- Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
- Blood culture to check for bacteria, which could indicate an infection in the bloodstream
- Tests for viruses
- Tests for Lyme disease
- Bone marrow exam, which is used to check for leukemia
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate to see how quickly the red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube (The rate is faster in most people who have a disease that causes inflammation.)
- Test for rheumatoid factor, an antibody that may be found in people with arthritis (An abnormal result is more common in adults than in children.)
- Antinuclear antibody test to show evidence of autoimmunity
- Bone scan to detect changes in bones and joints
- Joint fluid sampling and synovial tissue sampling, which might be performed by an orthopedic surgeon