Rheumatoid factor what is high

RF and CRP results obtained by nephelometry may be falsely elevated in lipemic sera or sera containing other particulates. All rights reserved. No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. Show More. Login Register. We want you to take advantage of everything Cancer Therapy Advisor has to offer.

To view unlimited content, log in or register for free. Register now at no charge to access unlimited clinical news, full-length features, case studies, conference coverage, and more. At a Glance Rheumatoid arthritis RA classically presents as a symmetrical arthritis, although a single large joint synovitis may be the initial presenting symptom. In addition, what follow-up tests might be useful?

Abnormally high values are associated with, but not diagnostic of RA. To determine how active the disease is. Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Another test which is ordered when rheumatoid arthritis is suspected is the anticyclic citrullinated peptide anti-CCP. Sedimentation Rate Sedimentation rate also known as erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR , is a crude measure of inflammation.

C-reactive Protein C-reactive protein is another measure of clinical inflammation. Normal Values 3. In-person and virtual physician appointments. Book online. Urgent Ortho Care. Same-day in-person or virtual appointments. Get care. Departments and Services. Medically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M. What is RF? Normal ranges Results Test procedure Other tests Other conditions Seronegative arthritis Treatment Summary Rheumatoid factor RF is an immune system protein that attacks healthy cells in the body.

Normal ranges. What do the results mean? Test procedure. Other tests. RF and other conditions. Seronegative arthritis.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Medical Myths: All about lung cancer. Cancer research: Are we over-relying on genetic links? Related Coverage. RA latex turbid test: What to know. Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis: Types and what to know.

What is seronegative rheumatoid arthritis? High levels of rheumatoid factor in the blood are most often associated with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. But rheumatoid factor may be detected in some healthy people, and people with autoimmune diseases sometimes have normal levels of rheumatoid factor.

A rheumatoid factor test is one of a group of blood tests primarily used to help pinpoint a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. These other tests may include:. The amount of rheumatoid factor in your blood may also help your doctor choose the treatment approach that will work best for your situation. During a rheumatoid factor test, a small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. This typically takes just a few minutes. Your blood sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

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.