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Getting an accurate diagnosis is the essential first step toward finding relief from joint pain, inflammation, and other symptoms of rheumatic conditions. Many arthritis and autoimmune diseases require specialized blood tests to identify what's causing your symptoms and to monitor how well your treatment is working.
If you've been experiencing joint pain, unexplained fatigue, persistent inflammation, or other concerning symptoms, laboratory testing provides the answers your doctor needs to create an effective treatment plan. Blood work and other laboratory tests can reveal important information about inflammation levels, antibody markers, organ function, and how your body is responding to medication.
Denver Arthritis Clinic offers comprehensive on-site laboratory services specifically designed for patients with rheumatic diseases. Since 1976, our board-certified rheumatologists have provided expert care backed by precise laboratory testing. Having a full lab right in our office means you don't need to make separate trips to outside testing facilities.
Our partnership with LabCorp ensures your samples are analyzed with the highest standards, while our certified rheumatologic technologists understand exactly what tests are needed for accurate arthritis and autoimmune disease diagnosis. Whether you need routine monitoring of your condition, testing to guide treatment decisions, or diagnostic work to identify what's causing your symptoms, our laboratory services are designed to make the process convenient and comfortable.
Schedule an appointment with Denver Arthritis Clinic to discuss your symptoms and determine what laboratory testing might be appropriate for your situation. Our experienced team is ready to help you get the answers you need.
Denver Arthritis Clinic provides a complete range of laboratory tests specifically chosen for diagnosing and managing rheumatic conditions. Our on-site lab offers the convenience of getting your blood work done during your regular appointment, eliminating extra trips to separate testing facilities. All tests are performed by certified technologists who specialize in rheumatology laboratory work and understand the unique needs of patients with arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Our laboratory performs several essential tests that help identify rheumatic conditions and monitor disease activity. The antinuclear antibodies test, commonly called the ANA test, is one of the most important screening tools for autoimmune diseases. This test detects antibodies that attack your own tissues, which can indicate conditions like lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, or other autoimmune disorders. A positive ANA test doesn't necessarily mean you have a specific disease, but it provides crucial information that helps your rheumatologist interpret your symptoms and determine if additional testing is needed.
The rheumatoid factor test is another key diagnostic tool, particularly for identifying rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that appears in the blood of many people with rheumatoid arthritis, though it can occasionally show up in other conditions as well. Your rheumatologist considers RF test results along with your symptoms, physical examination, and other tests to make an accurate diagnosis. We also perform various other antibody tests that help identify specific autoimmune conditions, including anti-CCP antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis, anti-dsDNA for lupus, and specialized tests for conditions like scleroderma and myositis.
Patients with rheumatic diseases often need regular laboratory monitoring to ensure their medications are working safely and effectively. The complete blood count is one of the most frequently ordered tests for our patients. This comprehensive blood test measures different components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. CBC results help your doctor monitor for medication side effects, check for anemia that's common in inflammatory arthritis, assess your immune system function, and track your overall health status. Many medications used to treat rheumatic diseases require regular CBC monitoring to ensure they're not affecting your blood cell counts.
Monitoring tests may include:
Regular monitoring allows your rheumatologist to catch potential problems early, adjust medications if needed, and ensure your treatment plan continues working effectively. The convenience of our on-site lab makes this ongoing monitoring simple and stress-free.
Urinalysis is another important test we perform on-site. This simple test analyzes your urine for signs of kidney problems, infections, or other issues that can occur with certain rheumatic diseases or their treatments. Some autoimmune conditions like lupus can affect the kidneys, making regular urinalysis an important monitoring tool. Certain medications used to treat arthritis also require periodic urine testing to ensure kidney function remains healthy. Beyond these core tests, our laboratory can perform a wide range of additional testing as needed for your specific condition and treatment plan.
Denver Arthritis Clinic partners with LabCorp, one of the nation's leading laboratory service providers, to ensure the highest quality testing and analysis. This partnership means your laboratory work benefits from LabCorp's extensive experience, advanced testing methods, and rigorous quality standards, while still enjoying the convenience of having blood drawn right in our office.
Our certified rheumatologic technologists are part of the LabCorp team and bring specialized knowledge of the unique testing needs for arthritis and autoimmune disease patients. This collaboration ensures accurate results, proper sample handling, and seamless coordination between your laboratory work and your rheumatology care.
Our on-site laboratory is available exclusively for existing patients of Denver Arthritis Clinic. If you're currently receiving care from our rheumatologists, you can have your blood work drawn conveniently during your appointments at our Lowry and Lone Tree locations. New patients should schedule an initial consultation with one of our providers before laboratory testing.
Yes, through our partnership with LabCorp, we accept most insurance carriers in Colorado, including Medicare. LabCorp is widely accepted by insurance plans, making our laboratory services accessible to the vast majority of patients. For specific questions about your insurance coverage, contact our office or check our insurance page for the current list of accepted providers.
Turnaround time varies depending on the specific tests ordered. Routine tests like complete blood counts typically have results within 24-48 hours, while more specialized antibody tests may take several days to a week. Your rheumatologist will discuss expected timing with you and will contact you once results are available to discuss what they mean for your diagnosis or treatment plan.
Fasting requirements depend on the specific tests your rheumatologist has ordered. Our office will let you know if fasting is necessary when scheduling your laboratory work.