title: Recent investigative procedures for diagnosing rheumatic disease.
abstract: Recent advances in investigative procedures have improved diagnosis of arthritis. Serologic tests such as rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody determinations, although not diagnostic, may be used to support or exclude a clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. A systematic approach to joint fluid analysis has helped in the differential diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. Radionucleotide joint scanning and determination of histocompatibility antigens appear promising, although they are still under investigation.
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Disney
references.citation: Postgrad Med. 1969 Jan;45(1):116-21
references.pmid: 4178662