When you have joint pain and fatigue that might be suspected caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your health provider may order rheumatoid factor test.
Test Sample
A blood sample from arm vein.
Test Preparation
None.
Test Results
A positive rheumatoid factor test result indicates that a high level of rheumatoid factor was detected in your blood. A higher level of rheumatoid factor in your blood is closely associated with autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
The RF test must be interpreted in conjunction with a person’s symptoms and clinical history.
These tests are usually conducted along with RF test to help pinpoint a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)
- Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or sed rate)
