How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosis – There is no blood test to diagnose osteoarthritis. Blood tests performed to exclude diseases that can cause secondary osteoarthritis, as well as to exclude other arthritis conditions that can mimic osteoarthritis.
X-rays of affected joints can suggest osteoarthritis. General X-ray findings of osteoarthritis include loss of joint cartilage, narrowing of joint space between adjacent bones and bone spur formation. Simple x-ray examination can be very helpful to rule out other causes of pain in certain joints and helps decision making for surgical intervention if need be considered.
