Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis—now commonly called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)—is a group of autoimmune conditions that cause persistent joint inflammation in children and teens. Symptoms can include swollen, stiff, or painful joints; morning stiffness; and fatigue. Some subtypes involve fevers and rash (systemic JIA), eye inflammation (uveitis), or tendon/ligament pain (enthesitis).

Because signs can mimic infection, injury, or other autoimmune diseases, blood testing helps build the diagnostic picture and track disease activity over time. Ulta Lab Tests provides convenient access to pediatric-relevant arthritis labs—including inflammation markers and autoantibodies—so families and clinicians can move from uncertainty to clarity with fast, secure results.


Signs & Symptoms (When to consider testing)

  • Joint swelling and pain lasting ≥6 weeks (knees, ankles, wrists, fingers).

  • Morning stiffness that improves as the day goes on; difficulty getting moving after rest.

  • Limping or limited use of an affected limb; decreased range of motion.

  • Systemic features (especially in systemic JIA): daily feverslight pink rash, swollen lymph nodes.

  • Eye symptoms: redness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision (can signal uveitis).

  • Growth concerns: slowed or uneven growth near affected joints.

  • Enthesitis/dactylitis: heel/Achilles pain; “sausage” digits in some subtypes.

  • Family history of autoimmune disease or spondyloarthritis.

Related search terms: juvenile arthritis blood test, JIA labs, pediatric arthritis testing, ANA in children, ESR/CRP in juvenile arthritis.


Why These Tests Matter

What JIA labs can do

  • Detect inflammation (CRPESR) to support an inflammatory pattern.

  • Identify autoimmune activity (e.g., ANARF, sometimes anti-CCP) helpful for subtyping and risk assessment.

  • Provide baseline and trend data to monitor flares and response over time.

  • Help differentiate JIA from infections, leukemia, or other rheumatic diseases when combined with exam and imaging.

What they cannot do

  • Confirm JIA on their own—diagnosis requires clinical evaluation, history, and often imaging (ultrasound/X-ray/MRI).

  • Predict long-term outcome or eye involvement; regular ophthalmology checks are often advised in JIA.


What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • CRP & ESR: objective inflammation markers; often higher during flares.

  • ANA: frequently positive in some JIA subtypes; linked to uveitis risk in certain children.

  • RF & anti-CCP: may appear in RF-positive polyarticular JIA (less common in kids; suggest a more RA-like form).

  • CBC: anemia of chronic disease; platelet changes with inflammation.

  • CMP: overall health context (electrolytes, liver/kidney function).

  • HLA-B27: genetic marker associated with enthesitis-related arthritis in some patients.

  • Ferritin and related labs: can rise significantly in systemic JIA; clinicians may monitor for rare complications.


How the Testing Process Works

  1. Order online: choose a pediatric-appropriate arthritis panel or individual markers.

  2. Visit a nearby lab: quick blood draw at a local patient service center.

  3. Get results fast: most results are available within 24–48 hours in your secure account.

  4. Review with your clinician: combine labs with exam findings and imaging to guide next steps.


Interpreting Results (general guidance)

  • High CRP/ESR → supports active inflammation; useful for tracking flares.

  • ANA positive → common in certain JIA subtypes; may influence eye screening frequency.

  • RF/anti-CCP positive → seen in a subset with polyarticular disease; suggests a rheumatoid-like pattern.

  • Normal markers do not exclude JIA; some children have normal labs despite clinical arthritis.

All results should be interpreted by a pediatric clinician or pediatric rheumatologist.


Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Broad evaluation: start with a JIA screening panel (CRP/ESR + ANA + CBC/CMP).

  • Targeted add-ons: consider RF/anti-CCP for suspected polyarticular disease, HLA-B27 for enthesitis-related symptoms.

  • Monitoring: repeat CRP/ESR (and other relevant markers) to follow disease activity as advised by your clinician.


FAQs

What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?
A group of autoimmune joint diseases starting before age 16 that cause persistent joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain, sometimes with fevers or rash.

Which blood tests support a JIA evaluation?
Key labs include CRP, ESR, ANA, RF, anti-CCP, CBC/CMP, and sometimes HLA-B27—selected based on a child’s symptoms and subtype suspicion.

Can blood tests diagnose JIA by themselves?
No. Labs support the diagnosis but must be paired with history, physical exam, and imaging.

Why might my child need regular eye checks?
Some JIA subtypes—especially ANA-positive—carry higher risk for uveitis. Eye screening helps protect vision.

How quickly will we get results?
Most JIA-related labs are available within 24–48 hours after the blood draw.

Do we need a referral to order tests?
No referral is required to order through Ulta Lab Tests. Always review results with your child’s clinician.


Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Arthritis Testing Hub

  • All Arthritis Tests

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Key test pages: (CRP • ESR • ANA • RF • anti-CCP • HLA-B27 • CBC • CMP)


Available Tests & Panels

Tip: Begin with a comprehensive pediatric arthritis panel (CRP/ESR + ANA + CBC/CMP); add RF/anti-CCP or HLA-B27 when your clinician suspects specific subtypes.

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The Rheumatoid Factor IgA IgG IgM Antibodies Test measures multiple rheumatoid factor classes to aid in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels may suggest joint inflammation, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or chronic infections. Doctors use this comprehensive test to confirm autoimmune involvement, investigate persistent pain or stiffness, and guide treatment planning by assessing disease activity across antibody types.

Also Known As: RF Antibodies Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Antibodies Test

The Rheumatoid Factor IgA Antibody Test measures IgA-class rheumatoid factor, an autoantibody linked to rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels may indicate joint inflammation, Sjögren’s syndrome, or chronic infections. Doctors use this blood test alongside other markers to confirm diagnosis, assess disease activity, and guide treatment decisions for patients with suspected autoimmune or inflammatory disorders.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: RF IgA Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor IgA Antibody Test

The Rheumatoid Factor IgG Antibody Test measures IgG-class rheumatoid factor, an autoantibody often linked to rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels may indicate joint inflammation, Sjögren’s syndrome, or chronic infection. Doctors use this test with other markers to confirm diagnosis, assess autoimmune activity, and guide treatment for patients with persistent joint pain, swelling, or suspected inflammatory disorders.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: RF IgG Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor IgG Antibody Test

The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test measures RF antibodies in blood to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. High RF levels may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, or other connective tissue diseases, though they can also appear in some infections. Doctors order this test to investigate joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. Results provide important insight into autoimmune activity, joint health, and inflammatory disease management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: RF Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Test


The ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern Test detects antinuclear antibodies in blood to evaluate autoimmune activity. If positive, further testing identifies antibody concentration (titer) and fluorescence pattern, helping diagnose conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, rash, or swelling and to guide treatment for autoimmune and connective tissue disorders.

Also Known As: ANA Test, Antinuclear Antibody Screen Test


Most Popular

The Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) IgG Antibody Test helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by detecting antibodies strongly linked to autoimmune joint disease. A positive result may indicate early or developing RA, even before symptoms appear. Doctors order this test for patients with joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. Results, often used with the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, provide valuable insight into autoimmune activity and long-term joint health management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Anti-CCP, Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide IgG Antibody Test

The HLA-B27 Antigen Test detects the presence of the HLA-B27 protein on white blood cells, which is linked to autoimmune conditions. A positive result may indicate higher risk for ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, or other spondyloarthropathies. Doctors order this test to investigate chronic back pain, joint inflammation, or autoimmune family history. Results provide critical insight into genetic predisposition, immune system activity, and inflammatory disease risk.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 

Most Popular

The Sed Rate Test, also called the ESR Test, measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a sample of blood. A faster rate may signal inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, or other chronic conditions. Doctors use this test to investigate unexplained fever, joint pain, or muscle aches, and to monitor inflammatory disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The Sed Rate Test provides important insight into overall inflammatory activity.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test, ESR Test, Sedimentation Rate Test, Westergren Sedimentation Rate Test

The Sedimentation Rate Blood Test, also called the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test, measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a sample. A faster rate can signal inflammation linked to arthritis, autoimmune disease, or infection. Doctors order this test when patients have symptoms like joint pain, fever, or fatigue. While not diagnostic alone, results provide valuable insight into inflammatory activity and help guide further evaluation and treatment.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Sed Rate Test

The Cardiolipin IgA Antibody Test detects IgA antibodies to cardiolipin, helping assess clotting disorders, autoimmune disease, and vascular complications. High levels are often linked to antiphospholipid syndrome, pregnancy loss, or thrombotic conditions. This test provides insight into immune activity, coagulation balance, and systemic disorders influenced by antibody-mediated vascular dysfunction.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Cardiolipin IgG Antibody Test detects IgG antibodies to cardiolipin, often associated with autoimmune disease. Abnormal results may indicate antiphospholipid syndrome, blood clotting disorders, or pregnancy complications. This test provides insight into thrombotic risk, vascular health, systemic inflammation, and immune activity linked to autoimmune conditions and antibody-mediated disease.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Cardiolipin IgM Antibody Test measures IgM antibodies linked to antiphospholipid syndrome and autoimmune disorders. It helps evaluate unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, or abnormal clotting events. By detecting immune system activity against phospholipids, this test supports the assessment of vascular health, autoimmune activity, and risks related to thrombosis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Complement Total CH50 Test measures overall activity of the complement system, a key part of the immune response that helps fight infections and regulate inflammation. Abnormal results may indicate autoimmune diseases such as lupus, complement deficiencies, or immune complex disorders. Doctors use this blood test to evaluate immune function, investigate recurrent infections, and monitor treatment in patients with suspected immune or autoimmune conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Total Complement Test, Total Complement Activity Test

The Lyme Disease IgG IgM Antibodies Immunoblot Test detects antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease. IgM indicates recent infection, while IgG suggests past or ongoing infection. Doctors order this test to confirm exposure after ELISA screening or when symptoms such as rash, fatigue, joint pain, or neurological issues appear. Results provide critical insight for diagnosing and managing Lyme disease with greater accuracy.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Borrelia burgdorferi Test, Lyme Disease Antibodies Test

The Protein Total and Albumin Test measures overall protein levels and albumin, the main blood protein made by the liver. Abnormal levels may indicate liver disease, kidney disorders, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation. Doctors order this test for patients with swelling, fatigue, or abnormal lab results. Results provide critical insight into nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and help guide diagnosis and treatment of metabolic or chronic conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Salicylate Test measures salicylate levels in the blood to evaluate therapeutic use or potential toxicity from aspirin and related medications. Elevated concentrations may indicate overdose, metabolic disturbance, or risk of salicylate poisoning. This test supports monitoring in patients treated for pain, inflammation, or cardiovascular conditions and helps guide clinical management of suspected overdose cases.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Thiopurine Metabolites Test evaluates active metabolites of thiopurine drugs, including 6-thioguanine nucleotides and 6-methylmercaptopurine, to assess treatment effectiveness and safety. Elevated or low metabolite levels may indicate risk of toxicity, under-dosing, or non-adherence. This test provides critical insight for managing patients on immunosuppressive therapy, guiding personalized dosing, and monitoring long-term response.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: 6 MMP Test, 6 Tg Test

Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) affects children under 16. It is an idiopathic disease with unknown causes. Arthritis is a disease in which the tendons and tissues of the body are badly affected by germs and viruses. It is an autoimmune disorder disease in which the immune system is damaged. White blood cells increase, and red blood cells decrease. The virus starts eating the tendons and tissues of the body without distinction, causing pain to parts of the body. The most affected parts are the joints which become stiff, painful, inflamed, and red.

JRA is the most common type of arthritis and affects more than 50,000 young adolescents in the United States.

Types 

There are six types of JRA:

Pauciarticular or Oligoarthritis

It affects four joints or fewer, affecting about half of the patients suffering from JRA. It targets knees, wrists, and eyes.

Polyarticular

It affects more than five joints and targets smaller joints such as those in the hands. It is classified into rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative, which affects girls more than boys, and RF-positive, which has similar symptoms to adult rheumatoid arthritis.

Systematic

This type of JRA targets the entire body, including joints, skin, and internal organs. Most affected patients experience a sharp increase in fever and frequent rashes.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This is when unusual redness occurs on sensitive areas such as near the ears, eyelids, elbows, knees, belly button, and skin of the head. It may affect one or two organs.

Spondylarthritis

It is also known as enthesis-related arthritis and affects the muscles, ligaments, or tendons attached to the bones and usually targets the hips, knees and elbows, lower limbs, and digestive tract. This type of JRA is more common in children between 8-15 years.

Undeferential Arthritis

Symptoms of this type of JRA don’t match up perfectly with any of the subtypes.

Causes

No specific cause has been found so far. Some scientists believe that it runs in families, and some put emphasis on stressful environmental triggers such as trauma, stress, tension, and depression, which accelerate this disease. It has been established that the child’s defense system, which fights against viruses and germs (autoimmune system), must be seriously disturbed for the disease to occur. In JRA, the white blood cells (WBC) which fight against viruses start destroying the healthy red blood cells indiscriminately, resulting in increased WBCs and decreased RBCs.

Symptoms and Risks 

JRA patients complain of mild, moderate, and acute pain in joints. When affected children wake up in the morning or after a nap, they experience stiffness in their limbs, and they can’t stand without pain. The patient limps and resumes normal walking. The patient’s joints, large organs, mouth, jaw, tongue, fingers, wrists, cervical region, and lymph nodes swell with severe rashes on the body. This delays the child’s growth; their bones get thinner and weaker and might be more prone to breaking. Some patients feel sleepy, drowsy, and exhausted. Children suffering from JRA can also experience glaucoma, cataract, dry eyes, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and vision problems.

JRA also manifests as inflammation in the lungs and heart. This causes shortness of breath, further damage to the organs, and disturbance of the digestive system with symptoms such as indigestion, diarrhea, and pain. JRA may lead to infertility and weight loss or gain.

JRA is diagnosed when symptoms persist for at least six weeks. This is confirmed with clinical exams and laboratory tests.

Benefits and Types of Laboratory Tests 

The following information will make it easier to learn about the many benefits of the different types of lab tests used to screen, diagnose, and monitor the condition.

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)

This lab test is used to find out if there is any presence of autoantibodies. Almost 80% of patients showing symptoms related to eye diseases test positive for this test, and it has positive results for most children affected by JRA.

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

The results of this test are dependent on the type of JRA the patient has.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-reactive Protein (CRP)

Both laboratory tests are used to find the presence and level of inflammation in the patient’s body.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This is used to determine the red and white blood cell count as well as the patient’s hemoglobin level. This helps diagnose conditions such as anemia associated with the inflammation due to JRA.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

As JRA can also affect the child’s kidneys and liver, this test is necessary to monitor the function of these vital organs. A vital step in diagnosing JRA is eliminating other similar conditions.

HLA-B27

This test helps differentiate between the types of arthritis.

Synovial Fluid Analysis

This detects any crystals that might be present in the joint and determines if there is any joint inflammation.

Types of Non-Laboratory Tests

  • X-rays can detect joint inflammation, fluid build-up, fractures, tumors, or infections, etc.
  • A thorough eye exam is necessary to monitor any eye inflammation.
  • An EKG can identify any heart inflammation.

Treatment

Although juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is incurable, a combination of treatments effectively alleviates pain or prevents bone damage. This treatment includes:

  • Medication
  • Surgery
  • Physiotherapy
  • Chiropractic therapy (massage, swimming, exercise, joint support, or use of splints to protect joints)
  • Occupational therapy
  • Psychotherapies (cognitive behavior therapy, REBT, and other modern approaches)
  • Alternative therapies
  • Diet control
  • Hot massages (to soothe joint inflammation) or use of cold elements (to numb organs)
  • Acceptance of the severity of the disease and help in applying positive thinking techniques to provide physical and mental comfort to the patient.

In short, interdisciplinary approaches need to be used to reduce the pain and suffering that accompanies JRA. Strong family support and positivity of the patient’s peer group play a vital role as well for the patient to respond to the medication.


Order your Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Tests with Ulta Lab Tests

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Order your juvenile rheumatoid arthritis lab test today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

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