A rheumatoid factor test is one of a group of blood tests mainly used to help pinpoint a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. These other tests may include: Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate).
Testing for rheumatoid factor is done through a blood test. The blood is drawn and then analyzed for the presence of this particular protein. If the results show a certain level of rheumatoid factor, then the test is said to be positive.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an immune system protein that attacks healthy cells in the body. An RF test is a blood test that can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. While high RF levels can indicate the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to note that not all people with high RF levels have this condition.
The rheumatoid arthritis blood tests that doctors perform to help diagnose the disease include: Rheumatoid factor (RF), Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Antinuclear Antibody (ANA). None of these tests can singularly conclude that a patient has rheumatoid arthritis.
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RheumatoidArthritis.org
