2010 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Counted joints exclude distal interphalangeal joints, first carpometacarpal joints, and first metatarsophalangeal joints.
Use local laboratory interpretation for low-positive versus high-positive status; isolated qualitative RF-positive reporting counts as low-positive.
Either abnormal CRP or abnormal ESR is sufficient for the abnormal category.
Primary sources do not define a precise rule for intermittent symptoms or uncertain recall; clinician judgment is required.
Clinical noticeEducational classification support only. Use the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria in the appropriate clinical context and not as a stand-alone diagnostic rule.
Context and use
Total score = joint involvement + serology + acute-phase reactants + symptom duration
Joint involvement = 0/1/2/3/5; serology = 0/2/3; acute-phase reactants = 0/1; symptom duration = 0/1.
Apply only after confirming definite clinical synovitis in at least 1 joint and that another diagnosis does not better explain the synovitis. The score-based classification threshold is >=6 points.
