Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative

Rheumatoid factor (RF) test determines the presence of rheumatoid antibodies in the body. These are the autoantibodies produced by body's own immune system that attack the healthy tissues of the body. Presence of high level of RF antibodies might indicate the presence of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and chronic infections like tuberculosis & leukemia.
Symptoms like joints pain, fatigue, weight loss, persistent fever, weakness, lumps formation indicate the sign of positive RF antibody.
A small amount of RF may be found in healthy individuals however high levels indicate the presence of certain autoimmune disorder or chronic infections. Further testing is recommended in these cases to diagnose a particular disorder.