Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a protein made by the immune system which attacks healthy tissue in the body. A normal person doesn’t make RF, the presence of RF in the blood denotes that patients have an autoimmune disease. In very rare cases, individuals without any health issues produce a small amount of RF.

What Is Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Why Is RF Test Done?

Rheumatoid factor was first discovered in association with rheumatoid arthritis in 1940. A positive rheumatoid factor (RF) test is used as a vital tool to diagnose RA.

The immune system functions as the body's defense system through which the body fights infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. In a normal person immune system reacts to infections by producing antibodies the protein molecule that kills the organisms.

However, certain antibodies produced by the immune system may damage healthy proteins. In such cases, the immune response that is triggered may cause an autoimmune disorder.

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is one such antibody that is known to damage healthy tissue by an autoimmune process. When activated, RF antibodies may damage healthy tissue resulting in different symptoms.

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Generally, these symptoms can lead to inflammation in the synpovium –a layer of soft tissue on the joints that leads to rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is mostly linked with rheumatoid arthritis, as more than 80% of adult RA patients were diagnosed positive for RF.

Doctors recommend a blood test to determine RF if they are suspicious that the patient may have an autoimmune condition, known as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome.

Other health conditions that can elevate RF include:

• Chronic infection
• Liver cirrhosis
• Abnormal levels of protein in the blood (cryoglobulinemia)
• Inflammatory muscle disease (dermatomyositis)
• Lupus
• Cancer
• Connective tissue disease

Symptoms Which May Prompt An RF Test:

 Doctors usually suggest this test for patients who experience symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis which include:

• Joint stiffness
• Extreme joint pain and stiffness, generally in the morning
• Presence of nodules in the skin
• Loss of cartilage
• Loss of bone mass
• Swelling and feeling of warmth of the joints

RF Test

It is a quick and painless test, where the blood sample is collected from a vein and tested in the lab for the RF antibody.

What Do Rheumatoid Factor Test Results Mean?

Rheumatoid factors can be present in patients’ blood for many months or even years before symptoms of RA occur.

The test results measures how much blood can be diluted before RF antibodies are undetectable. A ratio of less than 1:80 is normal or less than 60 units of RF per ml of blood.

A positive result signifies RF is present in the patient’s blood. For almost 80% of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the result is positive. The level of RF in blood generally indicates the seriousness of the conditions, but RF is also seen in other immune diseases like lupus and Sjogrens.

Patients with a positive RF test don’t inevitably mean they have rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors will consider the results of all other tests done, symptoms, and clinical examinations to decide on a diagnosis.

Rheumatoid factor tested positive patients may also have a higher disease score, meaning frequent flare-ups and lesser remission periods. If RF is positive and symptoms are diagnosed early then treatment should not be delayed, which can prevent further progression of joint damage, swelling, and pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be completely cured, but certain treatment method can help the patients to manage the condition. The main aim of the treatment is to assist patients to handle pain and control the inflammatory response. Lowering inflammation can also help to avert further joint and organ damage.

Treatment Include

• Medications
• Dietary Changes
• Physical therapy
• Alternative remedies

Doctors determine the best methods of treatment that work well for each patient. For most of the patient’s treatments can assist them live a healthy and active life and lower the risk of long-term complications.

Also Read: 5 Amazing Essential Oils To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medications

There are several types of medication available for RA, and few of them aid to lower the pain and inflammation. Some of the medications are given to lower the injury to the joints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and acetaminophen are some of the drugs.

Lifestyle modification may largely improve the quality of life of the patients living with RA which includes:

Exercise

Doing low-range exercise can promote movement in joints and increases mobility.

Adequate Rest

Patients need to take good rest during flare-ups and less while remission.

Apply Heat Or Cold

Ice packs can greatly help to lower inflammation and pain. Patients can alternate with hot treatments such as warm showers and hot compresses to lower stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet will largely help patients to reduce inflammation and mitigate symptoms.

Also Read: Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Benefits, Foods To Eat And Avoid

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are best known to ease inflammation. Include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and fatty fishes in your meal plan to fight inflammation.

Food sources rich in antioxidants like berries, spinach, kidney beans, and artichokes also help to reduce inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The RF Test Used For?

An RF test is mostly used to estimate the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and to diagnose autoimmune conditions. It is also beneficial to understand the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and assess the possibility of affecting other vital organs. An RF test alone cannot diagnose any medical problems.

What Happens During An RF Test?

A lab technician or phlebotomist will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. Then a small amount of blood will be drawn into a test tube or vial. You may feel a mild sting when the needle goes in or out and it takes less than 5 minutes to complete the test.

Do I Need Any Preparation For The Test?

No, there aren’t any specific preparations required for an RF test.

Is There Any Risk?

There is very minimal or no risk of having a blood test. You may feel a slight pain or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted. Most symptoms will settle away quickly.