Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative

Also known as RA Factor Qual.

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative

What is 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.

What is Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative used for?

To diagnose rheumatic diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis
To diagnose autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome or Lupus Erythematosus
To diagnose chronic infections

What does Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative measure?

The presence of RF means that the body has an autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include stiffness of joints, especially in the morning, pain in joints, underlying skin nodules, loss of bone and swelling of joints.

Interpreting Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative results

Interpretations

Positive Rheumatoid factor test indicates the high level of rheumatoid factor in the blood which is associated with Rheumatoid arthritis.

There are other conditions where RF test is positive that include:

Sjogren’s syndrome
Systemic Lupus erythematosus
Inflammatory lung diseases
Chronic infections
Cancer
Mixed connective tissue diseases

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative

Frequently Asked Questions about Rheumatoid Factor - Qualitative

Q. When does the doctor advise Rheumatoid factor test - Qualitative?

The doctor advises the RF test - Qualitative when signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like the stiffness of joints especially in the morning, pain and swelling in joints, underlying skin nodules are noted in the patient. If the X-ray of the patient shows swelling in the joint capsules along with the loss of cartilage and bone, RF test is advised.

Q. What are other tests advised apart from rheumatoid arthritis - qualitative?

Apart from Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Anti CCP Antibody test, the Antinuclear antibody test, Complete Blood Count, and X-ray are advised. If a patient has positive Anti CCP antibody test as well as RF test it indicates that the patient has rheumatoid arthritis. If the patient has a positive Anti CCP antibody test but a negative RF test, it means that the patient is likely to develop Rheumatoid arthritis in the future. If Anti CCP antibody test is negative but RF test is positive, it can indicate that the patient should be analyzed for other inflammatory conditions as well.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease which is chronic (from a long time). It causes inflammation, stiffness, pain and disastrous changes in joints of the body. It can occur at any age but the usual age is after 40 years. As compared to men, women are more affected. It can progress slow or fast. But, if untreated can cause disability of the joints.

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