Rheumatoid Arthritis Quiz Questions

Explanation
There are several other tests that can be performed for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These include anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) test, and imaging tests such as X-rays and ultrasound. These tests help to confirm the diagnosis of RA and assess the severity and progression of the disease. Therefore, the answer "YES" is correct as there are indeed other tests available for the diagnosis of RA.

Explanation
Heterophile AB test is not used to aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of progression of rheumatoid arthritis. The test is primarily used to detect the presence of heterophile antibodies, which are antibodies produced in response to certain infections such as mononucleosis. Rheumatoid factor (RF) test, anti-CCP test, and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) are commonly used tests to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis. RF test detects the presence of RF antibodies, anti-CCP test detects the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, and ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube over a specified period of time, which can indicate inflammation in the body.

Explanation
A semiquantitative test can be performed for RF (Rheumatoid Factor) test. A semiquantitative test is a test that provides an approximate measurement or estimation of the quantity or level of a substance. In the case of RF test, a semiquantitative test can be used to determine the approximate level of Rheumatoid Factor present in a sample, indicating the presence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

Explanation
The result obtained when a semiquantitative test is performed is called the titre. The titre represents the concentration or amount of a substance present in a sample, but it is not a precise quantitative measurement. It is used to give an approximate indication of the concentration or activity of a substance, and is often expressed as a ratio or a range of values.

Explanation
A higher measurement from a semiquantitative test usually correlates to worsening of a disease. This means that as the measurement increases, the disease is likely to be progressing or becoming more severe. Therefore, the answer "YES" indicates agreement with this statement.

Explanation
The given statement "RA is an autoimmune disease" is true. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. This autoimmune response in RA causes damage to the joints and can also affect other organs in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is "YES" to affirm that RA is indeed an autoimmune disease.

Explanation
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not caused by wear and tear. It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, primarily affecting the joints. The exact cause of RA is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Wear and tear, on the other hand, is associated with osteoarthritis, a different type of arthritis.

Explanation
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs due to wear and tear of the joints over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Therefore, osteoarthritis is not another name for rheumatoid arthritis.

Explanation
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is an excessive buildup of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally excreted by the kidneys. However, when there is an overproduction of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to eliminate it effectively, it can accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. This buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints is the primary cause of gout. Therefore, the statement "Gout is caused by uric acid buildup in the joints" is true.

Explanation
The statement is false because gout is not associated with the presence of rheumatoid factor. Rheumatoid factor is a blood test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, not gout. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, and it typically does not involve the presence of rheumatoid factor.

Explanation
The statement is false because osteoarthritis does not test positive with the rheumatoid factor test. The rheumatoid factor test is used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The presence of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood is a characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis, but it is not present in osteoarthritis. Therefore, osteoarthritis will not test positive with the rheumatoid factor test.

Explanation
In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. One of the key features of this condition is the presence of autoantibodies, including rheumatoid factor (RF), which is an IgM antibody that targets IgG antibodies. These IgM antibodies bind to the Fc portion of IgG antibodies, forming immune complexes that contribute to the inflammation and joint damage seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the statement that IgM attacks IgG in rheumatoid arthritis is true.

Explanation
Latex agglutination is a commonly used method to test for rheumatoid factor (RF). RF is an antibody that can be found in the blood of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. In latex agglutination, latex particles coated with human immunoglobulin G (IgG) are mixed with a patient's serum. If RF is present in the serum, it will bind to the latex particles, causing them to agglutinate or clump together. Therefore, the statement that latex agglutination is used to test for RF is true.

Explanation
The statement "The latex beads are coated with IgG" is true. This means that the latex beads have been covered with immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is a type of antibody. Coating the beads with IgG allows them to be used in various applications, such as immunoassays, where they can bind to specific antigens and be detected. This coating enhances the specificity and sensitivity of the assay, making it a common technique in biomedical research and diagnostics.

Explanation
The statement "The latex beads are coated with IgM" is false. This means that the latex beads are not coated with IgM.

Explanation
Autoantibodies are antibodies that are directed against one's own self. This means that instead of fighting against foreign substances like infections, autoantibodies mistakenly target and attack the body's own cells and tissues. This can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and damage.

Explanation
The CRP test, also known as C-reactive protein test, is a blood test that measures the levels of C-reactive protein in the body. C-reactive protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and its levels can indicate the presence and severity of inflammation in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. Therefore, monitoring the levels of CRP can help in assessing the progression of RA, as higher levels of CRP indicate increased inflammation. Hence, the statement that the CRP test can be used to monitor the progression of RA is true.

Explanation
In some kits, the serum has to be diluted before being tested. The correct dilution ratio in this case is 1:20, which means that the serum is mixed with 20 parts of a diluent. This dilution helps to ensure that the concentration of the serum is within the range that can be accurately measured in the test. Dilution is often necessary when the initial concentration of the sample is too high or when the test requires a specific concentration range for accurate results.

Explanation
If serum needs to be diluted 1:15, it means that for every 1 part of serum, 14 parts of diluent are needed. This means that the serum will be mixed with a larger volume of diluent, resulting in a lower concentration of the serum.