Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative

Also known as RA Factor - Quantitative, Autoimmune

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative

What is Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative?

The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test measures the amount of rheumatoid factor (RF) in your blood. This test detects or monitors autoimmune conditions (in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune (a condition in which the body's natural defense system mistakenly attacks normal/healthy cells) and an inflammatory condition that causes inflammation (painful swelling) of the joints. In addition to the joints, RA sometimes also affects other body parts, including skin, eyes, lungs, or heart.

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody the immune system produces that targets healthy tissues, especially in the joints. The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test assesses the level of rheumatoid factor in the blood. Elevated RF levels may indicate the presence of autoimmune conditions, most notably rheumatoid arthritis. However, not everyone with RF autoantibodies has RA because RF can also be found in healthy individuals in a small percentage, particularly in aging individuals.

Your doctor may suggest the Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test if you show signs and symptoms of RA, such as pain, warmth, swelling, morning stiffness in the joints, nodules under the skin, etc. This test may also be done if symptoms suggest Sjogren's syndrome, such as parched mouth, eyes, and joint and muscle pain. The quantitative aspect of the test aids in assessing disease severity, response to treatment, and monitoring the progression of the disease.

Usually, no special preparation is required for an RF test; eat and drink as per your daily routine. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Higher-than-normal levels of rheumatoid factor may suggest the presence of autoimmune conditions, but it is not specific to any particular disease. Further testing and clinical evaluation are needed for a definitive diagnosis. Talk to your doctor about your specific results. The test results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.

What is Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative used for?

The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test is done:

If there are signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, warmth, swelling, morning stiffness in the joints, nodules under the skin, etc.
To diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjogren’s syndrome.
To determine the severity of RA. Higher levels of RF suggest a more aggressive form of the disease that may require specific therapy.

What does Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative measure?

The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test detects and measures the concentration of rheumatoid factor (RF), an antibody produced by the immune system, in your blood. Increased levels of rheumatoid factor can be detected in the blood in certain autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. However, an RF test is not very specific as a rheumatoid factor can also be found in the body in diseases other than RA, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). RF may also be produced in the body during persistent bacterial and viral infections. Hence, clinical evaluation and other diagnostic tests are crucial for a comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis.

Interpreting Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative results

Interpretations

High levels of Rheumatoid factor test indicates a high level of rheumatoid factor in the blood, which is associated with Rheumatoid arthritis.

There are other conditions where the RF test is positive, including:

Sjogren’s syndrome
Systemic Lupus erythematosus
Inflammatory lung diseases
Chronic infections
Cancer
Mixed connective tissue diseases

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative

Frequently Asked Questions about Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative

Q. What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune and chronic (long-term or prolonged) condition. It causes inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain, which may even cause significant damage in the long run. This condition may develop at any age, but the usual age is around 40. As compared to men, women are more likely to get affected; it may develop in women as early as 30 years of age. Disease progression may be slow or fast, but if untreated, it can even cause permanent damage to the joints.

Q. What are the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?

The risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis are increasing age, family history of RA, smoking, environmental exposures like exposure to asbestos or silica, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.

Q. When does the doctor advise the Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test?

The doctor may advise the Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test if you show signs and symptoms like the stiffness of joints, especially in the morning, pain and swelling in the joints, or underlying skin nodules. Moreover, if an X-ray shows swelling in the joint capsules along with the loss of cartilage and bone, an RF test may be advised.

Q. How is the Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor test performed?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) cleans your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and takes a blood sample from your vein using a needle. The blood sample is stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test?

No, usually there are no risks associated with this test. The blood sample is withdrawn with the help of a needle and the process is fairly fast and relatively painless. Very rarely, you may experience excessive pain, bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin), bruising, or infection at the site of the needle prick. Consult the doctor if you experience any of these.

Q. If my Rheumatoid Factor test shows a positive result, does it mean I have rheumatoid arthritis?

A high rheumatoid factor level in your blood suggests that you have an autoimmune condition, such as RA or Sjögren's syndrome. However, not everyone with RF autoantibodies has RA because RF can also be present in healthy people in a small percentage, notably the elderly.

Q. Does a high level of RF mean that my arthritis is bad?

In most cases, high levels of RF indicate arthritis. However, RF levels may also increase due to Sjögren's syndrome or other inflammatory conditions. Elevated RF levels in your blood can even indicate a viral infection, bacterial infection like tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sarcoidosis, liver disease, lung disease, or kidney disease.

Q. What other tests may be advised after an RF test?

After an RF test, anti-CCP antibody test, antinuclear antibody test, complete blood count test, and X-ray may also be advised. If a person has positive anti-CCP antibody and RF tests, then it indicates that the person has rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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