Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative
What is Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative?
The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test measures the amount of rheumatoid factor (RF) in your blood. This test detects or monitors autoimmune conditions (in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune (a condition in which the body's natural defense system mistakenly attacks normal/healthy cells) and an inflammatory condition that causes inflammation (painful swelling) of the joints. In addition to the joints, RA sometimes also affects other body parts, including skin, eyes, lungs, or heart.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody the immune system produces that targets healthy tissues, especially in the joints. The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test assesses the level of rheumatoid factor in the blood. Elevated RF levels may indicate the presence of autoimmune conditions, most notably rheumatoid arthritis. However, not everyone with RF autoantibodies has RA because RF can also be found in healthy individuals in a small percentage, particularly in aging individuals.
Your doctor may suggest the Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test if you show signs and symptoms of RA, such as pain, warmth, swelling, morning stiffness in the joints, nodules under the skin, etc. This test may also be done if symptoms suggest Sjogren's syndrome, such as parched mouth, eyes, and joint and muscle pain. The quantitative aspect of the test aids in assessing disease severity, response to treatment, and monitoring the progression of the disease.
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 labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Higher-than-normal levels of rheumatoid factor may suggest the presence of autoimmune conditions, but it is not specific to any particular disease. Further testing and clinical evaluation are needed for a definitive diagnosis. Talk to your doctor about your specific results. The test results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.
What is Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative used for?
The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test is done:
- If there are signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, warmth, swelling, morning stiffness in the joints, nodules under the skin, etc.
- To diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjogren’s syndrome.
- To determine the severity of RA. Higher levels of RF suggest a more aggressive form of the disease that may require specific therapy.
What does Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative measure?
The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test detects and measures the concentration of rheumatoid factor (RF), an antibody produced by the immune system, in your blood. Increased levels of rheumatoid factor can be detected in the blood in certain autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. However, an RF test is not very specific as a rheumatoid factor can also be found in the body in diseases other than RA, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). RF may also be produced in the body during persistent bacterial and viral infections. Hence, clinical evaluation and other diagnostic tests are crucial for a comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis.
Interpreting Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative results
Interpretations
High levels of Rheumatoid factor test indicates a high level of rheumatoid factor in the blood, which is associated with Rheumatoid arthritis.
There are other conditions where the RF test is positive, including:
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Systemic Lupus erythematosus
- Inflammatory lung diseases
- Chronic infections
- Cancer
- Mixed connective tissue diseases