RHEUMATOID FACTOR ASSAY(Immunoturbidimetry)
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
60 mins collection
Not specified
Reports in
3 hrs
Measures
Level of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood
Identifies
Presence of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood
About The Test
What Is the Rheumatoid Factor Assay and Why Is It Important?
The Rheumatoid Factor Assay is a blood test used to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood. This is an antibody that may be found in people with certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The test is conducted to assist in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions.
The test employs immunology, which involves mixing a patient's blood sample with a substance that contains some antigens. If someone has rheumatoid factor antibodies in their bloodstream, such molecules will bind to these antigens indicating their presence.
What Does the Rheumatoid Factor Assay Measure?
This assay measures the level of rheumatoid factor antibodies in a person’s bloodstream.
The test results are usually expressed in terms of titers which indicate the number of antibodies present. The higher the titer, the greater the number of antibodies present.
When Is the Rheumatoid Factor Assay Usually Taken?
Rheumatoid factor assay is customarily done if an individual has symptoms like joint pains and stiffness that could be caused by autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism. Also, it can be taken to judge whether a given condition is gradually growing worse or not.
Are There Any Risks or Limitations to the Rheumatoid Factor Assay?
The risks associated with rheumatoid factor assay are minimal because all you need is a blood sample from a vein. However, there may be some concerns regarding this test. For example:
• Rheumatoid arthritis is not specifically detected by these tests; it may also cause other conditions which are similar.
• A negative test does not mean one cannot have rheumatoid arthritis amongst other autoimmune disorders
• Testing may fail to detect early stages of rheumatoid arthritis
List of Parameters
What Parameters Are Evaluated in the Rheumatoid Factor Assay?
The following parameters are evaluated in the Rheumatoid Factor Assay:
1. Rheumatoid factor antibodies presence and level in the blood.
2. Type of antibodies present (IgM, IgG, IgA).
Why This Test
Who Should Consider Taking the Rheumatoid Factor Assay?
Persons who have symptoms that might be associated with autoimmune conditions such as;
1. Aching joints and stiffness
2. Swelling and reddening on hands as well as feet.
3. Morning stiffness
4. Fatigue
Benefits
The Advantages of Your Health Rheumatoid Factor Assay
Rheumatoid Factor Assay can:
1. Help to establish and keep track of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Evaluate treatment efficiency.
3. Identify potential problems like damage to the joints.
What Diseases Can Be Diagnosed by the RF Assay?
RF assay can diagnose:
· Rheumatoid arthritis
· Other autoimmune disorders like lupus, Sjögren's syndrome among others.
· Specific infections such as endocarditis.
Test Preparation
Preparing for Your Rheumatoid Factor Assay
No specific preparations are required before taking the Rheumatoid Factor Assay. However, the following prerequisites and eligibility should be noted:
Prerequisites: A blood sample from a vein is required.
Eligibility: Individuals with a history of bleeding disorders may not be eligible for the test.
Procedure for Taking the Test: The blood sample is taken from the vein in the arm.
CAUTION BEFORE THE TEST
Patients who become anxious or faint at the sight of needles should tell their health care provider.
Test Results
This table explains what each possible result of your Rheumatoid Factor Assay means:
| Condition/Findings | Description | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive test result | The existence of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood | May indicate an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Negative test result | No presence of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood | Could indicate absence of an autoimmune disorder but is not definitive. |
| High titer | A high level of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood | Can indicate a severe or active disease state. |
| Low titer | A low level of rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood | Can show mildness or non-activity of the disease. |
FAQs
What is Rheumatoid Factor Assay used for?
The main objective of the Rheumatoid Factor Assay is to ascertain the quantity of rheumatoid factor present (RF) in the blood. RF is a type of protein created by the body’s immune system, which can damage the body’s tissues including the joints. This test is primarily done for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is a chronic autoimmune disease leading to inflammation and pain in joints. It can also be used for monitoring the activities of the disease and treatment response.
How is the test carried out?
It is a straightforward test that consists of drawing some blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then taken to a lab for further analysis. The test usually does not require more than a few hours to several days to return results, courtesy of the improved testing methods utilized in the lab.
What dangers are associated with the test?
The potential risks posed by the test are scarce. Like every blood examination, there is a possibility of pain or bruising at the puncture site when the test is done. Nevertheless, these effects are usually benign and short lived.
How should I get ready for the exam?
Preparing for the test is not intricate. However, your doctor may instruct you to discontinue some medications like corticoid hormones or medicated suppressants for several days before the test. Such medications may affect the test results. Always ensure to comply with instructions given by your doctor.
What do the results of the test indicate?
The results of the test are usually presented in titer form, which refers to the measure of the RF amount in blood. In essence, a positive test result means the patient had RF in blood, and negative means, he did not. These are the descriptions used for interpretation:
- Normal: <10 IU/mL (International Units per millilitre)
- Ineffective: 10-20 IU/mL
- Moderately Ineffective: 20-40 IU/mL
- Severely Ineffective: >40 IU/mL
Keep in mind that just because the test is positive does not mean you have RA. Several disorders including lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome may produce positive test results. Likewise, a negative test result is also not an RA certifier, because some patients suffering from RA may have no RF in the blood.
Can this examination determine other diseases besides rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, the Rheumatoid Factor Assay can also be used to diagnose other conditions, such as:
- Lupus
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis
- Infections such as hepatitis or tuberculosis
Even a positive result is suggestive of an autoimmune disorder present, but it is not definitive for RA. Consequently, persons suffering from RA most often will have it in conjunction with physical examination, medical history, and additional laboratory tests, including the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests.