Rheumatoid factor is a protein found in your blood—an autoantibody that responds to inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). While antibodies help protect us from foreign invaders, autoantibodies can lead to autoimmune reactions. The rheumatoid factor test is a crucial component of a group of blood tests mainly used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. These tests often include Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate).
A special type of test, known as the RA factor test, is carried out for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. RA factor refers to the presence of rheumatoid arthritis antibodies in the blood circulation. When a patient suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, the presence of these antibodies can be detected in the blood after conducting the RA factor test.
Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, chronic inflammatory conditions, and cancers are some disorders that can be diagnosed with the RA factor test. RA test results offer an insight into the immune status of a person. All the disorders mentioned above are types of autoimmune disorders. People who test positive for RA factor are likely to have a weak immune response.
Additionally, remnant cholesterol (RC) has been confirmed as a strong risk factor for coronary heart disease. The study, led by Dr. Paolo Raggi, a professor of cardiology, found that elevated RC levels lead to a higher risk for coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and related conditions.
For more information on Rheumatoid factor and RA factor test, visit HealthCentral, Mayo Clinic, Medifee, and University of Alberta for detailed studies and tests related to RA.
