What is a positive rheumatoid factor result?
What is a positive rheumatoid factor result?
A positive rheumatoid factor test result indicates that a high level of rheumatoid factor was detected in your blood. A higher level of rheumatoid factor in your blood is closely associated with autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
What percentage of patients with RA have a positive RF?
About 70% of RA patients test positive for RF at onset of RA, and 85% become positive during the first 2 years of the disease. Serum levels of RF do not change rapidly and cannot be used to follow disease activity.
What does a positive rheumatoid factor test mean?
A positive rheumatoid factor test means that the level of rheumatoid factor in the patient’s blood is considered to be high. Rheumatoid factor was first described in connection to rheumatoid arthritis in 1940.
Can a positive RF test show rheumatoid arthritis?
It may be the first indication that you might be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis patients usually have positive RF tests. High levels of RF increase the likelihood of presence of RA or Sjogren syndrome. Diagnosis of these disorders can be done by other tests.
What is the normal rheumatoid factor ( RF )?
Type. Range (IU/ml or International Units per Milliliter) Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Less than 14 IU/mL. A rheumatoid factor of less than 14 IU/mL is considered to be normal. In the Titer method, the normal ratio is less than 1:80 or 1 to 80.It is to be noted that the normal levels may vary slightly in different laboratories.
Are there any side effects from a rheumatoid factor test?
The rheumatoid factor test is very simple and does not generally pose any risks. You may have little bruising or pain in the area of the puncture site, but it will go away quickly. Complications are very rare, but some people may experience some side effects such as: – Bleeding from the puncture site.
A positive rheumatoid factor test means that the level of rheumatoid factor in the patient’s blood is considered to be high. Rheumatoid factor was first described in connection to rheumatoid arthritis in 1940.
It may be the first indication that you might be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis patients usually have positive RF tests. High levels of RF increase the likelihood of presence of RA or Sjogren syndrome. Diagnosis of these disorders can be done by other tests.
Which is more specific RA or rheumatoid factor?
A level above 20 suggests the possibility of RA. As with rheumatoid factor, some people with positive anti-CCP antibody will not have RA, but this test is somewhat more specific for RA than the rheumatoid factor. The higher the levels of anti-CCP antibody, the more likely it is to suggest RA. This test is 97% specific for RA if it is present.
The rheumatoid factor test is very simple and does not generally pose any risks. You may have little bruising or pain in the area of the puncture site, but it will go away quickly. Complications are very rare, but some people may experience some side effects such as: – Bleeding from the puncture site.