Rheumatoid Factor
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)
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This test is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjogren syndrome. It is usually conducted when a patient presents with fatigue, joint pain, weakness, or dry eyes or dry mouth. [1], [2]
Discussion
- Rheumatoid factor or RH is an autoantibody, an IgM or immunoglobulin M protein, that is produced by the body's immune system.
- Autoantibodies attack a person's own tissues, mistaking the tissue as "foreign".
- The presence of RF is therefore useful as an indicator of inflammatory and autoimmune activity.
Patient Preparation
- No prep is required.
- Factors which can cause increased levels:
- age
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Sjogren syndrome
- Persistent bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections
- Certain cancers
- Lung disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Endocarditis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Tuberculosis
- Syphilis
- Sarcoidosis
Low levels indicate:
- None noted
Associated Tests
- ANA, Autoantibodies, CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody), ESR, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), ENA panel, Synovial fluid analysis
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.
