Joints Sensor

Joints Sensor is a genetic test using an oral swab that assesses inherited susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and provides a genetic profile for medicines used for joint diseases and pain. The test shows susceptibility, not whether you have the disease. If your joints currently hurt and swell, the first steps are a medical examination and blood tests.

Who the test is intended for

• people whose parent, brother or sister has rheumatoid arthritis and who want to know their inherited susceptibility;
• people who are being or will be treated with medicines for joint diseases and are interested in their genetic profile for those medicines;
• people who often take painkillers and have experienced poor effects or side effects with some of them;
• people who want to include genetic susceptibility in a wider preventive health assessment, with medical advice.

The test is not intended to discover the cause of joint pain. This requires an examination, blood tests such as rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and, if necessary, examination by a rheumatologist.

What the test reveals

According to the test description, it consists of two parts. The first analyses genetic variations associated with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune inflammation of the joints. Inheritance plays a role, but is only part of the picture: most people with risk variants never develop the disease, and smoking, sex and other factors also affect risk.

The second part is a genetic profile for some medicines used for joint diseases: antirheumatic medicines and painkillers. Genes can affect the breakdown and transport of a medicine in the body, the site where it acts and the risk of side effects. For a small number of medicines this connection is well established and used in practice, while for most it is weaker or insufficiently researched. The profile is therefore not a ready-made prescription, but one piece of information for the doctor.

The test and preparation

The sample is an oral swab: a swab is passed several times over the inside of the cheek. The procedure is painless and brief, and no blood collection is required. For at least 30 minutes before swab collection, do not eat, drink anything except water, smoke or chew gum. Genes do not change throughout life, so the test is performed once.

What your results mean

• Increased susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis does not mean that you will develop the disease. Do not smoke, and consult a doctor if morning stiffness lasting more than half an hour or swelling of the small joints of the hands and feet develops.
• Average or lower susceptibility does not rule out the disease. If you have joint symptoms, an examination and blood tests are needed regardless of the genetic result.
• Show the medicine profile to the doctor prescribing your treatment. Do not change or stop medicines yourself.

The doctor interprets the report alongside your symptoms, blood results and other illnesses. Free genetic counselling is also available with the report.

How to arrange testing

The test is performed without a referral or appointment: a nurse takes the swab at any of our branches (listed on the Contactpage). Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the price list.

Frequently asked questions

Can this test tell me whether I have rheumatoid arthritis?

No. A doctor makes the diagnosis based on an examination, blood tests such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP and, if necessary, imaging tests.

If I have increased susceptibility, will I develop the disease?

Not necessarily. Most people with risk variants do not develop the disease. The most important things you can do yourself are not smoke and see a doctor promptly if symptoms develop.

Does the test also cover osteoarthritis?

According to the test description, it assesses susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis, which results from cartilage wear.

How does it differ from Pharmaco Sensor?

Joints Sensor focuses on medicines for joint diseases and pain. Pharmaco Sensor covers a wider range of medicines. Which makes more sense depends on the medicines you take, so discuss this with your doctor.