Laboratory tests

In clinical practice, laboratory tests play a major role in the investigation of underlying diseases predisposing to osteoarthritis (OA) (e.g. metabolic and genetic causes) and in the differential diagnosis of other joint disorders, particularly autoimmune and crystal-related arthropathies. In terms of diagnosis and management of OA, there is still no recommendation in guidelines for the use of laboratory tests. However, an increasing number of potential applications of laboratory tests in OA are emerging. In this regard, research investigating the role of vitamin D and other substances such as inflammatory markers, cytokines, and adipokines in the OA process is helping to reveal novel pathophysiologic mechanisms and, consequently, new possible therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, biochemical markers of cartilage, bone, and synovium metabolism is a growing field in OA and may also contribute to the diagnosis of early OA stages, assessment of prognosis, and management, once properly validated.