Measurement of specific autoantibodies in RA patients cannot be considered as a universal marker of this immunopathological process. Generally accepted laboratory immunological testing algorithm is not sufficient for RA patients. There is no correlation between the expression of early and late markers of lymphocyte apoptosis. In RA patients there is a positive correlation between the titer of lectin-induced agglutination and expression of lymphocyte activation markers. Evaluation of lectin-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes allows early detection of RA and improvement of chemotherapy scheme.