The laboratory in rheumatology

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Laboratory tests can be helpful in diagnosis and treatment of rheumatologic diseases. To accurately interpret the results of tests, clinicians need to understand the relationships between the operating characteristics of each test, the prevalence of the suspected disease, and the test's predictive values. A general understanding of the laboratory technique for each test is also helpful. A clinician who understands these facts can judiciously select the appropriate laboratory tests for the suspected disease.