What Does a Vectra Test Show?
Blood Test Assesses Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD
The Vectra DA is a blood test that measures disease activity in people already diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is NOT used to diagnose RA.
In addition to tracking disease activity, Vectra DA may "predict flare and sustained remission in patients discontinuing treatment, as well as treatment response to biologic and non-biologic therapies," according to research presented at the 2016 annual meeting of EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism).
This article discusses the purpose of Vectra DA, what to expect when getting tested, and how to interpret test results.
What Does the Vectra Test Measure?
Your healthcare provider may order a Vectra DA test for you:
If you're taking DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) or biologic drugs and your medications aren't working well enough
To assess your future risk of joint damage
To decide whether you should discontinue a medication
Developed by Crescendo Bioscience, Vectra DA looks at multiple biomarkers in your blood to create a picture of RA disease activity. A biomarker is a molecule in the body that can be objectively measured and evaluated via a simple blood test.
The Vectra DA test measures levels of 12 key proteins associated with RA and compiles them into a single score between one and 100.
This test is particularly helpful if both the CRP and ESR are normal. If the CRP is elevated, the test typically gives a high result.
What Are the 12 Biomarkers in the Vectra Test?
Because the Vectra DA measures a dozen markers, instead of measuring just two inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP), it is more accurate. It provides an accurate, reproducible score and an objective measure of RA disease activity that quantifies inflammatory status.
VCAM-1 | Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 | Marker of interactions between cells, blood vessels, and connective tissue in the joint that can contribute to the build up of inflammatory cells |
EGF | Epidermal growth factor | Promotes cell growth and inflammation in joints affected by RA |
VEGF-A | Vascular endothelial growth factor | Contributes to blood vessel formation, fluid buildup, and bone erosion in inflamed joints |
IL-6 | Interleukin 6 | Drives inflammation, cartilage deterioration, and bone erosion associated with RA |
TNF-R1 | Tumor necrosis factor receptor, type 1 | A receptor for the molecule TNF-alpha, which drives joint inflammation and destruction |
MMP-1 | Matrix matalloproteinase-1 or collagenase-1 | Contributes to cartilage destruction in RA |
MMP-3 | Matrix matalloproteinase-3 or stomelysin-1 | Destroys components of cartilage |
YKL-40 | -- | Helps regulate tissue remodeling and destruction |
Leptin | -- | Contributes to inflammation, regulates bone remodeling |
Resistin | -- | Contributes to inflammation, controls bone remodeling |
SAA | Serum amyloid | Produced in response to inflammation |
CRP | C-reactive protein | Produced in response to inflammation |
Vectra DA is a useful tool for monitoring the effects of medication on RA progression. In one study, Vectra DA was used to monitor the body's response to different doses of medication, providing evidence of the drug's effectiveness.
A study looked at the Vectra scores of people newly diagnosed with RA and the correlation to the progression of joint damage seen on X-rays one year later. Twenty-one percent of people who scored high at baseline had damage one year later, whereas 2.9 percent of of people with low and moderate scores showed damage. This is another example of how the Vectra DA can be an important tool in RA treatment.
Before the Test
Before getting the test, make sure your healthcare provider knows about all medications you're taking, any current infections, and any recent surgeries, as they may affect your results.
Timing
The blood draw for the Vectra DA test shouldn't take more than a few minutes. If you're going to a lab or other facility specifically for the test, it's always a good idea to call ahead and check on wait times.
Location
Vectra DA testing is typically done at healthcare provider's offices and medical labs. Your practitioner's office can tell you where your test will be performed.
What to Wear
Blood will be drawn from your arm, so be sure to wear short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled up well past your elbow.
Food and Drink
You shouldn't need to fast before a Vectra DA test. If your healthcare provider has ordered multiple tests to be done at the same time, you may be given instructions about limiting food and drink beforehand. Always follow the instructions given to you by your practitioners's office and/or testing facility.
If you tend to get nauseous when your blood is drawn, you may want to eat bland food or stick to small meals earlier in the day.
Staying hydrated can make a blood draw easier to perform, which can lead to less discomfort for you.
What to Bring
When you arrive for your test, make sure you have:
Your insurance card
Cash or card to pay any copays that may be required
Proper identification, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID card
Any written orders your healthcare provider may have given you
The name of the healthcare provider who ordered the test
A water bottle to ensure that you're hydrated
You may also want to have something to read or occupy your time in case of a long wait.
How Much Does Vectra Cost?
The Vectra DA test costs around $1,000, but you have options for reducing the amount you have to pay.
Is Vectra Covered by Insurance?
Check with your insurance company or program to see whether the Vectra DA test is covered and to what extent. Medicare and Medicaid fully cover two Vectra DA tests per year with no out-of-pocket expenses.
Vectra DA is now owned by Labcorp.
During the Test
The procedure for a Vectra DA test is the same as for any blood test. Your blood may be drawn by a phlebotomist, a nurse, or another type of medical technician.
Pre-Test
Before the test, you'll likely be asked to verify your name and date of birth, and possibly other identifying information and what test your getting. This is to help avoid errors.
Let the person drawing your blood know if you have a bleeding disorder or a history of negative reactions so they can take measures to help you.
Throughout the Test
The person drawing your blood will have you roll up your sleeve if necessary. Then they'll tie an elastic band around your arm to get your veins plump with blood. You may be asked to clench or pump your fist.
Once a suitable vein is identified, they'll clean the area with rubbing alcohol, insert the needle, and extract a tube of blood. Once enough blood is collected, they'll withdraw the needle and bandage the site to help prevent further bleeding.
Post-Test
Once the test is over, you're free to go.
If you get dizzy or nauseous, let someone know. They may have you lie down until you feel better.
After the Test
Most people come through a blood draw with no ill effects. If you have soreness or swelling at the injection site, an over-the-counter pain reliever and/or an ice pack may help.
If you have signs of infection at the injection site (worsening redness, soreness, swelling, or pain) or any other problems after the test, call your healthcare provider.
Interpreting Results
The facility where your blood was drawn will send the sample to the Crescendo Bioscience lab for analysis. The company says your healthcare provider will receive your results in about a week.
You may be able to access your test result at VectraScore.com, and your healthcare provider may contact you with the results via phone, mail, email, or online patient portal.
The test results will be in the form of a number between one and 100.
1-29 | Low disease activity |
30-44 | Moderate disease activity |
45-100 | High disease activity |
What Does a Low Vectra Score Mean?
A Vectra score between one and 29 indicates low disease activity. Typically those with persistent low Vectra scores are less likely to develop joint damage and less aggressive treatment may be indicated.
What Does a Moderate Vectra Score Mean?
A Vectra score between 30 and 44 indicates moderate disease activity and inflammation. People with persistently moderate disease activity are less likely to develop joint damage compared to people with high Vectra scores. Typically less aggressive treatment is needed.
What Does a High Vectra Score Mean?
A higher VECTRA score (45 to 100) indicates more severe disease progression with early development of joint damage and more frequent flares.
Higher VECTRA scores have also been linked with stroke and heart attack in people with RA due to excessive inflammation in the body.
Follow-Up
Depending on your test results, your healthcare provider may want you to schedule an appointment to talk about changes in your medications, other treatment options, or your risk of future joint damage.
If you have questions about your results or aren't contacted by your healthcare provider's office, give them a call.
Summary
The Vectra DA test can help you and your healthcare provider make treatment decisions and give you important information about the course of your rheumatoid arthritis. It's one of many tools you and your medical team have as you work together to control your disease and maintain your function and quality of life.
Read Next: Alternative Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
