methotextrate blood test | Arthritis Information

Hi. I just started taking methotextrate. I am supposed to get a blood test tomorrow. I just checked with the lab and they said my doc put in an order for

cbc test

cmp test

esr test

crp test

Are these the right tests to see if I am doing ok on methotextrate? Should I get anything else done for methotextrate? thanks.

Hi, this is great, imho, very comprehensive. More than what my doctor tests for. CBC is complete blood count to see if you're anemic or have an infection, CMP is complete metabolic panel which checks liver and kidney function among other things, ESR and CRP check levels of inflammation. You can read more about all of them at www.labtestsonline.org

I have been on MTX since late March, it's working well. Hope you have good luck with it.

Yes thats goodits what i getThe following are common blood tests for RA:

Rheumatoid factor - used to help diagnose RA. It is eventually present in significant concentrations in about 80% of patients with RA but also present in other conditions and in a small percentage of healthy people.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – this test (sed rate or ESR) shows the presence of inflammation in the body and the activity of the disease
Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (CCP) - a relatively new test that may be used to help diagnose RA, especially early in the disease and in patients who are RF negative.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) - this test shows the presence of inflammation in the body and the activity of the disease. It is used to help diagnose RA and to evaluate and monitor the condition. ESR will be increased in RA but not in osteoarthritis.
C-reactive protein test (CRP) - this test also indicates inflammation and tests for the activity of the disease. It may be used to help diagnose RA and to evaluate and monitor the condition. An increased level of CRP occurs in RA but not in osteoarthritis.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – this is a group of tests that are used to help evaluate the patient’s red and white blood cells and hemoglobin to help evaluate and monitor the condition and complications such as anemia and/or a decreased white blood cell count.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – this is a group of tests that may be used to help evaluate and monitor the patient’s kidney and liver function.

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/rheumatoid-2.html

I've been on methotrexate for awhile, and have labwork every 2 months. Cuz mtx could affect the liver, I have an alt/sgpt blood test (it may be part of the cmp)

Thanks everyone! I am so glad I have you all ... such wonderful support here. I just found out there is going to be a health fair in my neighborhood. The event flyer says it will be free to get blood tested for "CBC / Lipid / Profile".

Since money is tight for me right now, will these tests be enough? Thanks everyone.

You'd have to talk to your doctor to see if they'll accept that. Do you not have insurance? I don't think the test that they are doing for free at the health fair is going to be enough. I don't think so - it's not going to pick up your inflammation markers

Would Lipid / Profile be the same as CMP ? My main concern is I don't want the methotextrate to mess up my liver, so I definitely think CMP is what I should get. In terms of medical terminology, is lipid / profile equivalent to CMP? Thanks.

Cindy742008-07-21 10:45:58The lipid profile is your cholesterol levels and triglycerides. I had that done a few months ago before the RA tests. thanks jennmommi ... looks like the only test from the health fair useful to me would be just the CBC ... I guess will get my blood drawn at the doctor's office so I can find out if the mtx has negatively affected my liver ... thanks guys.Cindy,

I've been on mtx since 1986. First pills, and now injectable - .6 once a week. Most of the time my labwork is fine, the few times my liver lab (alt/sgpt) were elevated, my doc adjusted my meds.

I hope the mtx helps ya and your labwork comes out okay. Take care.