'Seronegative' means the standard rheumatoid antibodies — rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP — are not detectable in the blood. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis are seronegative and tend to have milder disease; the umbrella term 'seronegative spondyloarthritis' also covers ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and enteropathic arthritis, which share features like enthesitis, HLA-B27 links and back involvement rather than classic rheumatoid antibodies.
What is seronegative?
Seronegative: Seronegative arthritis means inflammatory joint disease without positive RF or anti-CCP tests. Includes AS, PsA, reactive arthritis. Diagnosis relies on clinical picture and imaging; management is similar to seropositive disease.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.