Latex Particle Slide Tests in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Two rapid latex particle slide tests used in rheumatoid arthritis, the RA-test and the eosin slide test, were compared with the latex fixation test, here used as a standard of reference. Of the total group of 309 persons tested, 290 (94 % ) showed either all negative or all positive results with the three methods used. In the remaining 19 patients (6 % ) positive results were obtained on one or both slide tests, while the latex fixation test result was negative. In all cases in which positive results were obtained with the latex fixation test, the slide test results were also positive. Either slide test can be considered a satisfactory screening procedure if due care is exercised in their interpretation.