Rheumatoid Factor
RF
Description
"Rheumatoid Factor" test measures RF antibodies in the blood, often used to evaluate joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. Elevated RF levels may suggest autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, though they can also appear in other illnesses or even healthy individuals. Doctors use this test to help confirm a diagnosis, monitor disease activity, or guide treatment decisions. Results inform next steps such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or further testing to manage long-term joint and immune health.
Category
Autoantibodies
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Endotoxin Units Per Milliliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Chronic Illness Group, Autoimmune Condition Group
Test Group Description
Chronic Illness Group: This group encompasses a range of tests specifically tailored to assess markers associated with chronic health conditions, providing comprehensive insights into the management and monitoring of chronic illnesses. Autoimmune Condition Group: Tests within this group focus on markers associated with autoimmune diseases, providing insights into the body's immune response against its own tissues.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: RF IgA: Not Available | RF IgG: Not Available | RF IgM: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: RF IgA: <20.00 IU/mL (Negative) | RF IgG: <20.00 IU/mL (Negative) | RF IgM: <10.00 IU/mL (Negative)
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Ankylosing spondylitis (Chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints)
Bacterial endocarditis (Infection of the heart's inner lining)
Chronic hepatitis C infection (Long-term infection of the liver by the hepatitis C virus)
Felty's syndrome (Rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by enlarged spleen and decreased white blood cell cou...
Key Reasons For Testing
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Identifies autoimmune activity, aiding early diagnosis and treatment.
Prognostic Indicator: Predicts disease severity and risk of joint damage, guiding long-term management.
Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishes RA from other inflammatory joint diseases for accurate treatment.
Monitoring Disease Activity: Tracks disease progression and response to therapy in RA patients.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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