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The Sant Joan d'Alacant Hospital laboratory develops an algorithm for the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis

The new protocol includes an automatic antibody test for patients who have tested positive for rheumatoid factor
Early detection of the disease makes it possible to slow its evolution and improve the quality of life of patients.
The protocol has already been disseminated in prestigious international scientific journals

The Clinical Analysis Service of the Sant Joan d'Alacant University Hospital develops an algorithm for the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis, which is giving good results and whose protocol has been published in prestigious international scientific journals.

In this sense, when the Primary Care doctor treats a patient and requests laboratory tests, this new system makes it possible to detect whether the patient has previously had a rheumatoid test with a positive factor; if so, an analysis is automatically included. of anti-CPP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies.

In addition, the system detects if this type of test has already been performed in the last twelve months, so it will not be repeated to avoid duplications, since the patient already has a diagnosis.

Thanks to this, it has been possible to reduce nearly 3,000 tests in a period of 22 months, while hidden cases have been detected. Likewise, great profitability has been achieved by reducing waiting times, unnecessary examinations and studies and has allowed patients with this pathology to be treated earlier.

The head of the Clinical Analysis Service, María Salinas, highlighted that “the objective has been to speed up the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and optimize the treatment of patients from Primary Care.”

On the other hand, Mauricio Mínguez, from the Rheumatology area of the Sant Joan d'Alacant Hospital, has indicated that with this protocol “we have managed to detect a good number of hidden cases and apply disease-modifying treatments with which we have managed to stop its progression. improve the prognosis and preserve people's functionality.” Mínguez has also stressed that “it is very important to work on improving the continuity of care between primary and hospital care.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease in adults. In Spain it has a prevalence of 1% and it is estimated that around 500,000 people suffer from it. Its symptoms are joint pain and inflammation and it can also lead to inflammatory processes outside the joint and affect the blood vessels and organs such as the liver, heart or lungs. It mainly affects women and early detection helps slow its progression and improve the quality of life of patients.

Dissemination of the study

The research, titled 'Double positivity for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies: improving referral from primary care to patients suspected of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis', has been developed over a period of four years by the Clinical Analysis Service , in collaboration with the Primary Care health centers of the Alicante-Sant Joan d'Alacant Health Department and the Rheumatology Service of the hospital itself.

In addition to being implemented at the Sant Joan d'Alacant Hospital, this early detection system is now available for use in laboratories around the world as it has been openly disseminated. Thus, for example, the National Library of Medicine of the United States Government already has the study referenced among its publications.

“The mission of our laboratory is to help in daily clinical practice and our greatest satisfaction is to have this and other procedures that we have developed copied to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients in many countries around the world,” concluded Salinas. Thus, the laboratory of the Sant Joan d'Alacant University Hospital is an international leader in decision support in daily clinical practice and has already developed more than one hundred algorithms.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.