title: Radiologist's guide to the use of the laboratory in diagnosing rheumatic diseases.
abstract: Laboratory tests that are commonly used in the evaluation of rheumatic diseases are described. The techniques for performing these tests; their use in screening, diagnosis, and follow-up; and the pitfalls in interpreting their results are discussed to provide the radiologist with an understanding of the current technology relating to rheumatic disorders.
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000276:immunology; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D003450:Cryoglobulins / Q000276:immunology; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D011871:Radiology; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D000941:Antigens; D003450:Cryoglobulins; D006680:HLA Antigens; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D004247:DNA; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor