Rheumatoid Factor (RA Factor) Test in Salem - Price & Details

PharmEasy Labs offer 100% accurate results of a wide variety of tests, including the rheumatoid arthritis factor test, at prices that are affordable to all. The newest technology is utilised by experienced technicians and the reports are checked by pathologists. The samples are collected at home, and the reports are delivered by email.

Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies produced by the immune system. Normally the immune system produces antibodies (which are proteins) to protect the body from infection. Rheumatoid factors are such antibodies. But they mistakenly attack the healthy cells of the body as intruders, resulting in autoimmune diseases. Not everyone has rheumatoid factors. Again, people with rheumatoid factors in their blood do not always have an autoimmune disorder.

Some people can be healthy despite having rheumatoid factors. But if someone has high levels of rheumatoid factors along with some symptoms, they may have an autoimmune disease or other health problems associated with rheumatoid factors.

RF is associated with chronic inflammation. Someone with high RF levels means they have a condition that is causing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition characterised by inflammation. So your rheumatoid factors may be higher if you have RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that affects your joints. This autoimmune disease increases with age, with only a few symptoms in the early stages. The damage caused by RA may extend from the cartilage to the bones, causing increased pain, swelling, mobility loss, and deformity. RA can also affect organs causing other symptoms. People with RA are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

An RF test cannot diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by itself, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other types of arthritis and joint conditions.

Doctors may recommend other tests along with the RF test to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA), that include-

• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody test
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
• Complete blood count or CBC
• C- reactive protein test
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (often known as sed rate)
• Other blood tests

Your doctor may ask for X-rays of your wrists, hands, or feet to check if your joints are affected. There are other conditions that cause inflammation for which your doctor may recommend an RF test, such as:

• Hepatitis C
• Tuberculosis
• Endocarditis
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Certain cancers, such as leukaemia, can also raise the RF levels considerably.

Your doctor may recommend a rheumatoid factor test if you have the symptoms of inflammation, such as:

• Joint pain
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness that lasts for about 30 minutes
• Loss of appetite
• Sometimes low fever
• Dry mouth or eyes
• Lumps under the skin
• Anaemia

Rheumatoid arthritis may start causing joint damage during the first year or two. Over time, joint damage occurs, which is usually irreversible, so early diagnosis and treatment are very important.

The RA factor test does not require fasting. You can eat or drink as usual. However, before taking the test, talk to your doctor to find out if there are more tests at the same time or if you need to be specially prepared for them.

During the RA Factor Test

A skilled phlebotomist from PharmEasy Labs will be asked to reach your house well within the time you choose. A vein finder is a tool that will be used to correctly locate the ideal vein for drawing blood. The needle and syringe will be unsealed in front of you. The sample will be packed into an icebox and taken to the lab.