Autoantibodies can also occur as part of the natural aging process. That said, if a person has unusually high RF levels and also experiences symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it is likely they have rheumatoid arthritis.
Very high levels can be more indicative of rheumatoid arthritis than lower levels, as this points to more activity in the immune system. They then send the sample to a laboratory, where a technician measures the levels of RF. It may take several days for the results to come back. When they do come back, the doctor discusses the results and the next steps with the person.
If a doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, they often order other blood tests alongside or after an RF test. These may include:. Learn more about blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis here.
While high RF levels may indicate rheumatoid arthritis in many cases, this condition is not the only reason that a person might have high RF levels. Anti-CCPs are antibodies also produced by the immune system. If the results of both tests are negative but a person is still showing other symptoms of arthritis, they may have seronegative arthritis. People with seronegative arthritis are typically at lower risk of serious disease progression and developing other complications. However, seronegative arthritis is still a serious condition that can require medical management and treatment.
People with seronegative arthritis may also develop other serious forms of arthritis, such as gout. Learn more about seronegative rheumatoid arthritis here.
On the other hand, if a bacterial infection is causing an increase in RF levels, a doctor may prescribe medication to treat the infection. An RF test is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders.
Why do I need an RF test? You may need an RF test if you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These include: Joint pain Joint stiffness, especially in the morning Joint swelling Fatigue Low-grade fever. What happens during an RF test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? You don't need any special preparations for an RF test. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If rheumatoid factor is found in your blood, it may indicate: Rheumatoid arthritis Another autoimmune disease, such lupus , Sjogren's syndrome , juvenile arthritis , or scleroderma An infection, such as mononucleosis or tuberculosis Certain cancers, such as leukemia or multiple myeloma About 20 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis have little or no rheumatoid factor in their blood.
Is there anything else I need to know about an RF test? References Arthritis Foundation [Internet]. Atlanta: Arthritis Foundation; What is Osteoarthritis?
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Rheumatoid factor About. Overview A rheumatoid factor test measures the amount of rheumatoid factor in your blood. More Information Juvenile idiopathic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Firestein GS, et al. Autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis.
This test mixes the blood being tested with antibodies that cause the blood to clump if RF is present. A laser light is shined on the tube containing the mixture. Then the amount of light blocked by the blood sample is measured. As levels of RF increase, more clumping occurs.
This causes a cloudier sample and allows less light to pass through the tube. This test is also done to find out whether a child who has polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis has elevated rheumatoid factor.
This can help determine the likely progression of the disease, and the best treatment for it. When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch. There is very little chance of having a problem from this test.
When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site. A doctor always uses the results of an RF test along with information gained from a medical history and a physical exam before diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors.
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