Rheumatoid Factor Overview

Rheumatoid Factor Guide

RightHealthRIGHTHEALTH

  • Summary
  • Definition
  • Considerations
  • Other Names
  • How the Test is Performed
  • How the Test will Feel
  • How to Prepare for the Test
  • Normal Results
  • Risks
  • What Abnormal Results Mean
  • Why the Test is Performed
Reviewed By Steve Lee, DO

Definition

RF is an antibody that attaches to a substance in the body called immunoglobulin G (IgG), forming a molecule known as an immune complex. The immune complex can trigger different types of inflammation-related processes in the body.

This article discusses the test to detect and measure the level of RF in the blood.


Other Names

RF


How the Test is Performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Keep reading...

Encyclopedia: Rheumatoid Factor

Wikipedia.orgWIKIPEDIA.ORG

Rheumatoid factor is one of several serological indicators of autoimmunity. It is an antibody against the Fc portion of IgG, which is itself an antibody. RF and IgG join to form immune complexes which contribute to rheumatological diseases. RF is most commonly measured in patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis . RF can be either Type 2 or 3 cryoglobulin. RF is often determined in patients suspected in any form of...
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Web Results

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Yahoo! Answers

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rheumatoid factor?
i got results for rheumatoid factor of my knee which is about 20 kU /L. should...

sero negative arthritis is also a variant of rheumatoid arthritis and RA factor is not 100 % reliable ,

Asked by Luaay E - 1 month ago

What does Rheumatoid Factor 5 mean in RA terms.?
What does Rheumatoid Factor 5 mean in RA terms? I received my test results in...

A rheumatoid factor between 0-10 is considered "normal or negative". That said, a negative rheumatoid factor does not rule out rheumatoid arthritis. This happens in 10% of rheumatoid...

Asked by Michelle - 12 months ago

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