Monitoring RA RA is a complex condition to diagnose, treat and manage and requires a continual level of ongoing monitoring. Imaging techniques, such as x-ray or ultrasound, can give insight into how active RA is, as well as checking for any signs of damage caused by the RA and other complications. People with RA will often require regular blood tests. Some blood tests monitor how active the RA is, which can also suggest how well the medications are working. Others monitor for potential side effects of the medication. Patients can also help to monitor for side effects and can report any side effects they experience through the ‘Yellow card’ scheme. This helps future patients by increasing the level of information that is known about each drug and its potential side effects. Deciding how often any monitoring should be performed and the best, most reliable ways to monitor is important for patients and their doctors. Models of best practice are therefore included in guidelines, designed to give healthcare professionals the most up-to-date information known on the best ways to treat patients. Read more Understanding your RA blood tests → Blood tests are frequently used to help in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but also to assess any potential problems with the various drugs that are used to treat RA. Imaging in RA → There are a number of different imaging techniques that are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis, including X-ray, ultrasound and MRI. Guidelines on the management of RA → There are a number of different imaging techniques that are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis, including X-ray, ultrasound and MRI. Reporting side effects → The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has launched an app for patients and healthcare professionals to report the side effects of medicines via the Yellow Card Scheme. Side effects can also be reported through the scheme online or by phone. Monitoring RA → The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has launched an app for patients and healthcare professionals to report the side effects of medicines via the Yellow Card Scheme. Side effects can also be reported through the scheme online or by phone.
Read more Understanding your RA blood tests → Blood tests are frequently used to help in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but also to assess any potential problems with the various drugs that are used to treat RA. Imaging in RA → There are a number of different imaging techniques that are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis, including X-ray, ultrasound and MRI. Guidelines on the management of RA → There are a number of different imaging techniques that are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis, including X-ray, ultrasound and MRI. Reporting side effects → The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has launched an app for patients and healthcare professionals to report the side effects of medicines via the Yellow Card Scheme. Side effects can also be reported through the scheme online or by phone. Monitoring RA → The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has launched an app for patients and healthcare professionals to report the side effects of medicines via the Yellow Card Scheme. Side effects can also be reported through the scheme online or by phone.