Understanding Lab Tests for Psoriatic Arthritis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that affects some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. While there is no single blood test that can definitively diagnose psoriatic arthritis, laboratory testing plays a fundamental role in assessing genetic predisposition, monitoring disease activity, and ruling out other similar conditions.
Top Recommended Test
HLA-B27 Antigen
This genetic marker test identifies individuals who may be at increased risk for developing psoriatic arthritis. The presence of the HLA-B27 antigen is associated with more severe forms of the condition and can help healthcare providers understand disease progression and treatment needs.
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Why Blood Testing is Important for Psoriatic Arthritis
Blood tests are essential tools that help healthcare providers understand the underlying inflammatory processes, identify genetic risk factors, and differentiate psoriatic arthritis from other types of arthritis. These tests provide valuable information about disease activity and help guide appropriate treatment strategies.
Other Relevant Tests
HLA B Low Resolution
This comprehensive HLA typing test helps identify genetic predisposition to psoriatic arthritis. People who test positive for the HLA-B27 marker have an increased risk of developing this inflammatory joint condition, making this test valuable for risk assessment.
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Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide 3 (Anti-CCP3) IgG
While uncommon, CCP antibodies can occasionally be detected in patients with psoriatic arthritis, particularly those with more severe disease. This test helps differentiate between different types of inflammatory arthritis and can indicate disease severity.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Panel 1
Although most psoriatic arthritis patients test negative for rheumatoid arthritis markers, a small percentage may have elevated CCP antibody levels. This panel helps distinguish between psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
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Interleukin 17, Serum
This inflammatory marker test measures levels of a key protein involved in the inflammatory process of psoriatic arthritis. Elevated Interleukin 17 levels can indicate active disease and help healthcare providers monitor disease activity and treatment response.
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Understanding Your Test Results
These blood tests provide valuable information that, combined with clinical examination and medical history, help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. Each test offers different insights into the genetic, immunological, and inflammatory aspects of psoriatic arthritis.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
