Autoimmune - Bloody Good
Autoimmune

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test checks for an antibody that can be present when the immune system attacks healthy tissues. Higher levels are often linked to rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases that cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

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Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Experiencing joint pain and stiffness, have family history of autoimmune disease, or want evaluation of inflammatory joint symptoms for proper diagnosis?

Overview

Think of the Rheumatoid Factor test as your body's way of revealing when your immune system has gotten its wires crossed. Normally, your immune system acts like a skilled security guard, protecting you from harmful invaders. But sometimes it gets confused and starts producing antibodies that mistakenly attack your own healthy tissues – particularly the proteins in your joints. This test measures these "confused" antibodies, called rheumatoid factor, which are like security guards that have turned against the very building they're supposed to protect.

This test is especially valuable if you're experiencing persistent joint pain, morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour, or swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body – classic signs that your immune system might be causing inflammation in your joints. While rheumatoid factor is most commonly linked to rheumatoid arthritis, it can also appear in other autoimmune conditions or even occasionally in healthy people as they age. When your results are positive along with your symptoms, it often signals a more aggressive form of arthritis that benefits from early, targeted treatment to protect your joints from long-term damage and keep you moving comfortably.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Joint pain in multiple locations Morning joint stiffness lasting more than 1 hour Swollen or inflamed joints Hand or wrist pain Difficulty opening jars or bottles Family history of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Purpose

Essential for individuals with joint symptoms, suspected rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease evaluation, or anyone needing inflammatory arthritis assessment.

How to prepare

No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider of all medications, particularly immunosuppressive drugs, and any recent infections that might affect immune system activity.

Understanding results

Results show RF levels compared to normal ranges. Elevated levels may indicate rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions requiring further evaluation and rheumatology consultation.

After the test

Address positive RF through comprehensive rheumatology evaluation, early treatment with DMARDs if RA confirmed, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. Work with rheumatologists for specialized care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Positive RF may indicate rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions, but must be interpreted with clinical symptoms as RF can be found in healthy individuals.
  • Yes, about 20-30% of people with rheumatoid arthritis are RF-negative (seronegative), so negative RF doesn't rule out RA if symptoms are present.
  • RF can be positive in Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, liver disease, chronic infections, and occasionally in healthy elderly individuals.
  • Treatment includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications to prevent joint damage.
  • Both are autoantibodies associated with RA, but anti-CCP is more specific for RA and may be positive earlier in disease, often tested together for better diagnosis.
  • Yes, RF levels can fluctuate with disease activity and treatment, and some people may convert from positive to negative or vice versa over time.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

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What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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