test Details

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, Lupus, Scleroderma, Cancers

A human being’s immunity depends on the normal functioning of the immune system. A strong immune system leads to stronger immunity within the individual. But in some cases, when a person gets an autoimmune disease, the immune system malfunctions. It starts creating an autoantibody called the rheumatoid factor that attacks healthy cells in the host’s body.

The rheumatoid factor is a protein produced by the immune system that binds with other antibodies. But this antibody mistakes healthy cells in the body for foreign substances and attacks them. High RF levels generally indicate the presence of autoimmune disease in the patient's body.

In such a case, a rheumatoid factor test is conducted to analyse the rheumatoid factor count in the blood and find out any underlying conditions that led to this increase. A rheumatoid factor test is mainly used to diagnose if a person has rheumatoid arthritis. The levels of RF vary between adults and children.

If there are symptoms of autoimmune disease present in the patient, the doctor might suggest a rheumatoid factor test. Although, only the presence of high levels is not a sure indicator of the presence of any health condition in an individual. It is generally considered a reason for further diagnosis by the doctor.

Symptoms such as joint stiffness, joint pain, swelling in joints, cartilage loss, bone loss and the presence of nodules under the skin can prompt a doctor to advise you to get a rheumatoid factor test. These symptoms generally indicate rheumatoid arthritis but autoimmune disorders such as Sjörgen syndrome can also lead to a rise in RF levels in the body.

Other names of rheumatoid factor test

●      Rheumatoid factor test

●      RA factor test

●      RF blood test

What does the rheumatoid factor test detect/measure, and who is this prescribed for?

The rheumatoid factor test measures the amount of RF present in the blood.

The following symptoms prompt the consulting physician to prescribe you a rheumatoid factor test along with other blood tests:

●      Joint pain

●      Joint stiffness

●      Joint swelling

●      Fatigue

●      Low-grade fever

●      Nodules under the skin

●      Loss of range of motion

●      Bone loss

●      Loss of cartilage

●      Dry mouth and eyes

The symptoms pertaining to the following diseases might warrant a rheumatoid factor test:

●      Lupus

●      Cancer

●      Rheumatoid arthritis

●      Sjörgen syndrome

●      Inflammatory lung diseases

●      Chronic infections

●      Autoimmune disorders

All the diseases mentioned above might result in higher than normal RF levels, but the final diagnosis of which disease the patient has contracted is made through various tests and clinical examination of the individual by the physician or rheumatologist. The normal range of RF differs between different genders and ages, so only a proper medical examination can provide a definite answer to what the issue is.

Constant testing of the rheumatoid factor is not necessary as it is only recommended by medical professionals when the symptoms of an autoimmune disease show up in the patient.

 The normal range depends on the age of the individual. Elevated RF levels might not necessarily prove the presence of an autoimmune disorder.

The rheumatoid factor test is generally classified as positive or negative depending upon the levels. If the level is within the normal range, the result comes out as negative whereas, in an elevated range case, the result comes out positive. The range of RF factors varies from laboratory to laboratory and is dependent on the method through which the test is performed.

The results of rheumatoid factor testing help the physician diagnose and pinpoint the reason for the elevated RF levels. While having a higher RF points towards a higher chance and severity of an autoimmune disease, having a low RF doesn’t rule out the possibility of an underlying health issue. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common disease for which a rheumatoid factor test is prescribed along with other tests such as:

●      CCP antibody testing

●      ANA testing

●      Synovial fluid analysis

●      Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

●      CRP testing

People of older age tend to have higher RF levels as their body loses mobility with time. People between the age of 60 to 80 are found to have high RF levels. They tend to be at a higher risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Along with the above-mentioned tests, a physical exam and a diagnosis of the symptoms are done to get a better idea of the issue at hand. An even better option is to consult a rheumatologist as they are the experts in diagnosing autoimmune diseases and RF-related health issues. They can better analyse the patient’s condition and assist through treatment and recovery.

The results of a rheumatoid factor test are based on a blood sample. A small amount of blood is extracted into a vial for this test.

Test Preparation

Before the test

There are no special preparations required before taking a rheumatoid factor test. Although the concerned physician can be consulted regarding precautions to be taken before depending on the patient's medical history and physical factors.

During the test

The procedure for blood sample collection for a rheumatoid factor test is similar to other general blood tests. A medical professional extracts the blood from the vein of the arm into a small vial through a sterilized needle. This process barely takes 5 minutes.

After the test

Like any other blood test, after sample collection, the point of contact is cleaned and pressure is applied on the spot to stop any bleeding. There is little to no risk from this test, and there are no post-test restrictions either.

Test inclusion: What parameters are included?

The rheumatoid factor test only indicates the levels of RF present in the body. This test, coupled with other tests, helps in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. The result of the rheumatoid factor test is reported as titer, which is a measurement of how much your blood can be diluted before RF antibodies are undetectable.

Test results are expressed as negative or positive depending on the levels of RF found in the blood. In the titer method, a ratio of less than 1:80 is considered normal, or less than 60 units of RF per millilitre of blood. The normal range of RF varies in individuals of different ages so it is best to get the blood test report diagnosed by a doctor.

Although, rheumatoid factor test results alone are not an absolute indicator of a disease present in the body as an individual can have high RF levels but still be healthy and vice versa.

How frequently should you take this test?

A rheumatoid factor test is not a test that needs to be done at regular intervals. The doctors advise it on the presence of symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjörgen syndrome, lupus and other autoimmune diseases. The results of the rheumatoid factor test indicate whether or not there is an abnormality present in the immune system. This test is generally asked along with other tests by the doctor to understand better the presence of any autoimmune disease in the body.