 The goal of treatment now aims toward achieving the lowest possible level of arthritis disease activity and even remission, if possible as early on as possible. Research has shown that this translates into minimized joint damage and enhanced physical function and quality of life for the RA patient. This also requires that a diagnosis of RA be made as early on as possible, and herein lies the challenge, i.e. identifying the RA patient early on in the course of their disease. 