What is the rheumatoid factor test?
This is a test to determine if you have rheumatoid factor, a kind
of antibody, in your blood.
Why is this test done?
The test is done to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid
arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the
joints. The inflammation causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of
the joints and, often, joint damage.
How do I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is needed for this test.
How is the test done?
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm with a needle. The
blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.
Having this test will take just a few minutes of your time. There
is no risk of getting AIDS, hepatitis, or any other blood-borne
disease from this test.
How will I get the test result?
Ask your heath care provider when and how you will get the result
of your test.
What does the test result mean?
A positive test result means that you have rheumatoid factor in
your blood. If you have painful joint swelling and other symptoms
along with other abnormal blood test results, you may have
rheumatoid arthritis. If you have no symptoms, the test is not
very helpful. Many healthy people test positive for small amounts
of rheumatoid factor, but they never develop rheumatoid arthritis
or other diseases.
If you have a negative rheumatoid factor test result and no
symptoms of arthritis, you probably do not have rheumatoid
arthritis. However, if you have a negative test result but you do
have symptoms of arthritis and abnormal results for other blood
tests that detect inflammation or autoimmune disease, you may have
rheumatoid arthritis or a related condition. Some people with
rheumatoid arthritis never test positive for rheumatoid factor.
Other tests can help determine whether the problem really is
rheumatoid arthritis.
What if my test result is not normal?
Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into
account your medical history, physical exam, and current health.
Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your result and ask
questions.
If your test result is not normal, ask your healthcare provider:
- if you need additional tests
- when you need to be tested again.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.