How high the RF results are may play into a doctor’s diagnosis. Many people with RA have high levels of an antibody called rheumatoid factor (RF). Even if an RF test shows a negative result, the person should always check back in with their doctor for a full diagnosis. A positive rheumatoid factor test means that the level of rheumatoid factor in the patient’s blood is considered to be high. It is still referred to as the Waaler-Rose test. Last medically reviewed on June 18, 2019, Splinters are very common but can be painful, especially if they are difficult to remove. Stiffness 2. The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is used to help diagnose RA and to distinguish it from other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms of joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness, but it is only one of several clinical and laboratory factors. Rheumatoid factors are proteins produced by your immune system that can attack healthy tissue in your body. All rights reserved. Possible risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis include genetic background, smoking, silica inhalation, periodontal disease, and microbes in the bowels (gut bacteria). This indicates that you may have rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune condition. A positive or high RF test result can indicate RA, though this is not the only cause. All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. What is being tested? Very high levels can be more indicative of RA than lower levels, as this indicates more activity in the immune system. High levels of rheumatoid factor in the blood can indicate an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The test for rheumatoid factor (RF) is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The doctor then sends the sample to a laboratory where a technician will measure the levels of RF. Rheumatoid arthritis. The "rheumatoid factor" is an antibody that can be found in the blood of 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors need to use various tests to diagnose RA. However, higher levels of RF can also occur in other conditions, and a small percentage of people without a medical condition, though the exact reason for this is uncertain. In people with RA, the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disorder and help prevent or reduce symptoms. The results of these tests may be used in two ways: Rheumatoid factor (RF) was the first autoantibody to be discovered in people with RA. These proteins are produced by B cells and can be found circulating in the blood. For decades, a positive rheumatoid arthritis test was used to diagnose those with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 9th ed. In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin. Accessed May 5, 2016. In some cases, people with an autoimmune condition have normal RF levels. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. The immune system makes RF. Rheumatoid Factor Feedback I want to provide feedback regarding - Select - Missing or Incorrect Test Information Test Research Assistance Other Test Content Questions Pricing and Availability General Usability of Test Directory Look and Feel of Test Directory Request a New Feature in Test Directory Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. viral infections, including HCV infection. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. However, there are still few more to detect about the mechanisms essential its production, pathological effects, and role. Diagnosing and managing RA involves clinical evaluation by a rheumatologist, as well as several different laboratory tests that require blood work. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Some people without an autoimmune condition have high RF levels. Getting a positive test result means that the levels of rheumatoid factor found in your blood are higher than the normal rheumatoid factor range. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, First wave of COVID-19 linked to spike in cardiovascular deaths, Vaccines and COVID-19: The latest hopeful research, SARS-CoV-2 in neurons may damage brain tissue, Most hospitalized COVID-19 patients still have symptoms after 6 months, What to know about distal interphalangeal joint pain, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test.