Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test

Rheumatoid factor test is done in suspected cases of rheumatoid arthritis presenting with typical joint pain, early morning stiffness, redness and swelling. It may often be prescribed by the doctors to differentiate from other types of arthritis.

• RA test is done in cases where rheumatoid arthritis is suspected.
• Some telltale signs include patients suffering from joint pain, early morning stiffness, redness in certain areas and swelling.
• It differs from regular arthritis as it is not age dependent.
• Instead, the body’s immune system incorrectly attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation, mostly in joints.
• Hence, this test is prescribed by medical practitioners to differentiate it from other forms of arthritis.

Rheumatoid factor test measures the presence or absence of RA factor in blood.

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

RA factor present or positive (high) usually indicates the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it may also be positive in certain other autoimmune disorders like Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disorders, inflammatory lung diseases, and certain cancers. The RA factor test may also be positive in certain healthy individuals especially the elderly population. CCP antibody is more specific for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. 
RA factor absent or negative (low) makes diagnosis of rheumatoid disease unlikely. However, in few patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis both CCP antibody and RA factor can be absent

A high RA factor typically indicates that the patient has rheumatoid arthritis. However, it may also be positive in other autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disorders, inflammatory lung diseases, and certain cancers. The RA factor test may also be high/positive in certain healthy individuals, especially the elderly. CCP antibody is more specific for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. 

The absence of RA factor or low levels of it makes the diagnosis of rheumatoid disease unlikely. However, in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis, both CCP antibody and RA factor can be absent. In such cases, additional tests are required.

Rheumatoid factor (RA factor) is an antibody that can attack healthy tissue manifesting itself through various symptoms. It generally leads to inflammation in the synovium. Its presence in the bloodstream or the synovial fluid indicates autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditions. 

A CCP antibody test is a blood test that can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. CCP stands for cyclic citrullinated peptides, another antibody produced in the blood. The CCP antibody test looks for proteins (antibodies) produced by the body in response to joint damage. A positive result on the CCP antibody test means that we likely have RA.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect any body part. SLE can also cause joint pain, fatigue, and fever.

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the exocrine glands, which are the glands that produce tears and saliva. People with Sjogren's syndrome typically experience dryness in their mouths and eyes. Other common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.

Yes, a high RA factor can sometimes indicate leukaemia. However, it is important to remember that it is not the case in most cases. In fact, only a small percentage of people with leukaemia have high RA factors. However, it is possible to misdiagnose this early symptom of leukaemia as rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor to determine the cause of the high RA factor.

People who exhibit the following symptoms are eligible for this test:

• Pain in the joints
• Swelling or increased warmth in the joints
• A sensation of joint stiffness which extends over 30 minutes
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent low-grade fevers
• Anaemia
• Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis C or endocarditis

To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, doctors may also recommend the following tests:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test:

This test checks for:

• Inflammation through the separation of erythrocytes from other cells.

C-Reactive Protein test:

This test checks for:

• Amount of CRP protein in the bloodstream. High amounts indicate a clear infection.

Full Blood Count (CBC):

This test checks for:

• RBC, WBC and platelet count. Abnormal results indicate rheumatoid arthritis might not be the cause of inflammation.

Antinuclear Antibody Test:

This test checks for:

• Antinuclear antibodies are produced by the body's immune system when an autoimmune condition is present in the body.

• Rheumatoid Factor Test
• RA Serum Test
• RA Factor Test
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Test

The RA Factor Blood Test detects the presence and concentration of rheumatoid factor (RF) in the blood, which is an autoantibody associated with autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

The Rheumatoid Factor Test reports indicate the level of RF in the blood, typically measured in units per millilitre (U/mL). A level below 20 U/mL is generally considered normal, while higher levels suggest the presence of an autoimmune condition.

A positive RA Factor Test result indicates that the RF levels are higher than normal, which can suggest rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune condition. However, additional tests and clinical evaluation are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

The benefits of the RA Factor Test include helping to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, assessing the severity of the disease, and differentiating between various types of arthritis and inflammatory conditions.

Stress itself does not directly increase the RA factor, but chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The RF levels are primarily influenced by the underlying autoimmune or inflammatory condition.

The normal range for RF levels is typically considered to be under 20 units per millilitre (U/mL) of blood, although normal values can vary slightly among different laboratories.

The RA factor is caused by the immune system producing antibodies that attack healthy cells, leading to chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

The RA factor itself cannot be "cured," but the underlying conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be managed with treatment to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.

The RA Factor Test involves a blood draw, which carries minor risks such as bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. These risks are generally minimal.

The RA Factor Test helps diagnose diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and certain chronic infections and cancers.

Certain medications and health conditions may impact RF levels, so it’s adviseable to share details of any medications, herbs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider before the test.

No special preparations, including fasting, are required before taking the RA Factor Test.

Various factors can affect the RA Factor Test results, including certain infections, other autoimmune conditions, and some types of cancer. Additionally, laboratory variations can influence the reported values.

Generally, RA Factor Test results are available after 4 hours, though the exact timeframe may differ based on the healthcare provider and the timing of the sample collection and processing.