Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative

A Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test is used to measure the amount of rheumatoid factor (RF) in your blood. This test is performed to detect or monitor rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases (diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues), such as Sjögren's syndrome.

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody (specific protein produced by the immune system) that is formed if you have RA. High level of RF in your blood indicates that you may have an autoimmune disease, such as RA or Sjögren's syndrome. However, not everyone who has RF autoantibodies has RA, because RF can also be found in healthy individuals in a small percentage, particularly in those who are aging.

Your doctor may suggest a Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test if you show signs and symptoms of RA, such as pain, warmth, swelling, and morning stiffness in the joints; nodules under the skin; etc. If the disease has progressed, evidence of swollen joints and loss of cartilage and bone is observed on X-ray radiographs. This test may also be done if you have symptoms suggesting Sjogren’s syndrome, such as extremely dry mouth and eyes along with joint and muscle pain. Sjogren’s syndrome can occur by itself or following RA or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with RA and/or Sjogren’s syndrome may also have other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders. Usually, no special preparation is required for an RF test; eat and drink as per your daily routine. 

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your liver health, and formulate your overall treatment plan.