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Infectious evaluation for reactive arthritis

  • Negative studies do not rule out infectious cause
  • GU:
    • U/A (urinalysis)
    • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) of urine and/or genital swab for Chlamydia;
      • urethritis is → usually due to Chlamydia infection preceding arthritis but can also be seen with sterile urethritis post-dysentery
  • GI:
    • Stool culture (Cx)
    • C. difficile toxin
    • Consider HIV in the workup for reactive or psoriatic arthritis.