Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

There is no one clear test for JRA. The doctor will work to rule out other diseases. Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms. Personal and family medical histories will be asked. The doctor will then perform a physical exam. Once your child's physician suspects JRA or makes this diagnosis, your child may be referred to a specialist. A pediatric rheumatologist focuses on diseases of the joints. Tests may include the following:

• Imaging techniques (such as x-rays)
• Laboratory tests on blood, urine, and/or joint fluid, to:
  • Rule out physical injury, bacterial or viral infection, other inflammatory diseases such as Lyme Disease , inflammatory bowel disease , psoriasis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus , dermatomyositis , and some forms of cancer
  • Determine what subtype of JRA is present
• Ophthalmologic examinations-to detect inflammatory problems of various parts of the eye