How is it assessed?

Arthritis is usually suspected from symptoms of constant joint pain or swelling. There is no test for JIA, the diagnosis being made by ‘pattern’ recognition preferably by a specialist. In order to be sure that it is JIA, clinicians rely on:

• A complete history of symptoms (must be present for 3 months or more).
• Physical examination (to look for signs of joint inflammation, rashes, nodules, signs of internal organ inflammation and/or eye problems).
• Family history
• Blood tests:
• To detect signs of inflammation.
• To look for the antinuclear antigen (ANA), which is commonly found in systemic lupus and which, is also associated with uveitis in pauciarticular JIA.
• X rays, which are used sparingly and only when there is doubt about the diagnosis or when surgery is being considered.