Bone and joint problems can stem from many causes—osteoarthritis, autoimmune arthritis (rheumatoid, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic), gout/hyperuricemia, vitamin D or calcium imbalance, and osteoporosis. Because symptoms overlap, blood and urine testing help clarify inflammation, autoimmunity, mineral metabolism, and bone turnover so you and your clinician can move from symptoms to a plan.
Ulta Lab Tests offers a complete menu of musculoskeletal and rheumatology labs—from CRP/ESR and rheumatoid antibodies to vitamin D, calcium/PTH, and bone turnover markers—with nationwide draw sites and fast, secure reporting for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.
Signs & Symptoms (When to consider testing)
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Joint issues: pain, swelling, warmth, morning stiffness, reduced range of motion, back or buttock pain that improves with activity.
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Bone health clues: height loss, fragility fractures, chronic back pain, stooped posture, unexplained bone pain.
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Systemic hints: fatigue, low-grade fevers, rashes, eye inflammation (uveitis), psoriasis, gut symptoms (IBD).
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Metabolic flags: muscle cramps, tingling, frequent falls, long-term steroid use, thyroid or parathyroid disorders.
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Gout patterns: sudden, intensely painful, swollen joint (often the big toe), high uric acid.
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Risk history: menopause, low body weight, family history of autoimmune disease or osteoporosis, smoking, heavy alcohol use.
SEO synonyms to include in copy and metadata: bone health tests, joint inflammation tests, rheumatology blood work, arthritis panels, vitamin D testing, bone turnover markers, gout uric acid test, HLA-B27 test.
Why These Tests Matter
What bone & joint labs can do
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Detect inflammation (CRP, ESR) and autoantibodies (RF, anti-CCP, ANA) to support arthritis evaluation.
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Identify genetic associations (HLA-B27) relevant to spondyloarthritis.
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Assess mineral and hormone balance (vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, PTH, thyroid) that drives bone strength.
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Measure bone turnover (CTX, NTX, P1NP, osteocalcin) to understand how quickly bone is breaking down or building up.
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Evaluate gout risk (uric acid) and rule in/out mimicking conditions.
What they cannot do
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Replace imaging when needed: X-ray/ultrasound/MRI for joints, DXA for bone density.
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Provide treatment decisions on their own—results should be reviewed with a clinician.
What These Tests Measure (at a glance)
Arthritis & Autoimmune
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CRP, ESR: inflammation activity and flares
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Rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP: rheumatoid arthritis markers
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ANA ± reflex panels: connective tissue disease screening (e.g., lupus)
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HLA-B27: spondyloarthritis association
Bone Metabolism & Secondary Causes
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25-Hydroxy Vitamin D [25(OH)D]
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Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium
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Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
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TSH/thyroid hormones
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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): kidney/liver context, albumin for corrected calcium
Bone Turnover Markers
Gout & Crystal Arthritis
General Context
How the Testing Process Works
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Order online: choose a broad bone & joint panel or targeted markers.
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Visit a nearby lab: quick blood draw (and urine if ordered).
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Get results fast: most are ready within 24–48 hours in your secure account.
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Review with your clinician: pair labs with exam, history, and imaging/DXA if needed.
Interpreting Results (general guidance)
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Elevated CRP/ESR → supports inflammatory arthritis; track over time.
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RF/anti-CCP positive → strengthens suspicion for rheumatoid arthritis.
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ANA positive → consider connective tissue disease; follow reflex testing as directed.
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HLA-B27 positive with inflammatory back pain → supports spondyloarthritis (not diagnostic alone).
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Low 25(OH)D or abnormal calcium/PTH → secondary causes of low bone density.
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High CTX/NTX or P1NP → higher bone turnover; useful for baseline and monitoring.
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High uric acid with acute monoarthritis → consider gout; diagnosis is clinical ± crystal analysis.
Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests
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First look for joint pain/stiffness: Inflammatory Arthritis Screen (CRP/ESR, RF, anti-CCP ± ANA).
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Suspected spondyloarthritis: add HLA-B27 with inflammatory back/buttock pain.
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Bone health/osteoporosis workup: 25(OH)D, Calcium/Phosphorus, PTH, CMP, TSH; add CTX/P1NP if turnover status is needed.
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Possible gout: Uric Acid with symptom context.
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Monitoring: repeat CRP/ESR (arthritis activity) or 25(OH)D/turnover markers (bone health) at clinician-directed intervals.
FAQs
What blood tests check for arthritis?
Common labs include CRP, ESR, RF, anti-CCP, ANA, and HLA-B27 when spondyloarthritis is suspected.
Can blood tests diagnose osteoporosis?
No. DXA scans diagnose osteoporosis; labs find underlying causes and track bone turnover.
Which tests help find causes of low bone density?
25(OH)D, Calcium/Phosphorus, PTH, TSH, CMP, and bone turnover markers (CTX, P1NP).
Do I need to fast?
Some tests (e.g., certain chemistries/turnover markers) may recommend morning or fasting draws. Follow the prep on your order.
How quickly are results available?
Most bone & joint labs are ready within 24–48 hours.
Do labs replace imaging?
No—use labs to complement imaging (X-ray/MRI/ultrasound) and DXA.
Internal Links & Cross-References
Available Tests & Panels
Tip: If symptoms are unclear, begin with a comprehensive bone & joint screen (CRP/ESR, RF/anti-CCP ± ANA, 25[OH]D, Calcium/Phosphorus, PTH, CMP). Add HLA-B27, uric acid, and bone turnover markers based on findings.