Reactive arthritis - this can cause inflammation of the joints, eyes and urethra (tube through which urine passes). Not long after infection of the gut and genital tract, or less frequently after throat infection. Blood tests from a laboratory provide both outcomes of the actual tests along with tabular 'Reference" ranges, sometimes referred to as 'Normal" values. The latter is of an misnomer because values considered 'Normal" provide a normal collected from large scale tests. Normal just isn't necessarily 'Optimal." A second, very important factor in interpreting results emanates from understanding these ranges may vary somewhat from laboratory to laboratory. Therefore, in considering abnormal blood tests and hormones, or some other blood test, the two actual result and the actual range utilised by the laboratory have to be taken into account. The reference ranges found in this short article derive from Disease Management and Treatment except where noted. Seeing your PCP is a good first step, if you are not sure who sees the diagnosis of arthritis. They will carry out physical exams, check the fluid around the joints, warm or red joints, and limited range of joint activities. Your doctor can recommend you to an expert if needed. We all know that we should make sure that we get the right amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients each day, but in reality with our busy lifestyles today this is easier said than done. Many people take a nutritional supplement, the difficulty is knowing if what we are taking actually has enough of what we need in it or that our body will actually absorb the vitamins etc correctly. With many pills and capsules, any benefits can be lost long before they get to the right parts of the body and in some cases your body may only absorb as little as 5% of the amount of the mineral or nutrient quoted on the bottle.