Experiencing joint pain and stiffness, have family history of autoimmune disease, or want evaluation of inflammatory joint symptoms for proper diagnosis?
The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Blood 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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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
You may benefit from the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Blood Test
Essential for individuals with joint symptoms, suspected rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease evaluation, or anyone needing inflammatory arthritis assessment.
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
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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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