The ETA blood test checks for the presence of the 14-3-3eta protein in the blood, which can be an indicator of certain types of arthritis.
Understanding the 14-3-3eta Blood Test
Here's a breakdown of what the ETA blood test involves:
-
What it tests for: The test specifically detects the 14-3-3eta protein. This protein is released into the bloodstream when there is inflammation in the joints (synovial inflammation).
-
What it indicates: According to research, the presence of 14-3-3eta protein is linked to:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Erosive psoriatic arthritis
-
Significance in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Notably, the reference states that the 14-3-3eta protein can be found in some early-stage RA patients who test negative for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies. One in five RF and CCP seronegative early stage RA patients is found to be positive for 14-3-3eta protein.
Therefore, the ETA blood test can be a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing these conditions, especially when other tests are inconclusive.
