(openPR) - Mainz, Germany – Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, can now be more quickly and reliably detected.
This is made possible by a rapid test that can be used to check patients’ blood for antibodies against mutated citrullinated vimentin (Anti-MCV). If inflammation of the joints is present and MCV antibodies are found in the blood, it is very highly probable that rheumatoid arthritis is at the root of the symptoms. However, a negative test result does not exclude rheumatoid arthritis, because MCV antibodies are not detectable in all RA patients.
The advantage of the new technique: the rheumachec rapid test only takes 15 minutes. Previously, people suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis had to wait very long for a physical examination and test results. However, it is critical to get an early and precise diagnosis of rheumatoid diseases to aid in successful treatment.
Highly effective drugs have now become available, which can bring the disease to a standstill and reduce the threat of joint destruction. If the test result is positive, the patient should consult a rheumatologist or other specialist without delay.
In addition to the MCV antibody test, other laboratory tests may also indicate RA, for example the detection of rheumatoid factors or antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (Anti-CCP). Previously, these tests were the most accurate means to identify a case of RA; however, these antibodies are only detectable in about two thirds of RA patients. Rheumatoid factors may also be found in healthy people, particularly as they age.
In Germany, about 800,000 people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The disease usually appears in people between 35 and 50 years of age, in midlife. If treatment is started too late, inability to work and disability threaten. RA is among the most costly diseases in all of medicine. In addition to the personal suffering and the enormous social burden, this disease generates immense costs for those afflicted, the health care system, and the entire economy.
Information for journalists:
Media background information at www.rheumachec.com. Images available upon request. We have up-to-date TV material available for television journalists.
About ORGENTEC Diagnostika:
Founded in 1988, ORGENTEC Diagnostika GmbH is a global market leader in the development, production, and distribution of test systems for autoimmune diagnostics. To date ORGENTEC has developed over 150 different test systems, of which many are protected by patents. These include detection techniques for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring for diseases in the rheumatic spectrum, vasculitis, diabetes, thromboses, and autoimmune diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With our own distribution infrastructure in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and France, as well as an established network of partners, ORGENTEC products are used to benefit patients in over 80 countries around the world. www.orgentec.com
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