Rheumatoid Factor
Alternate Names : RF
Definition Rheumatoid factor is a test that measures the presence and level of rheumatoid factor (RF) in the blood.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Why is the Test Performed?
The RF test is used mainly in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, although the test result can be positive in many other diseases as well as in healthy people.
RF is an antibody that attaches to a substance in the body called immunoglobulin G (IgG), forming a molecule known as an immune complex. This immune complex can activate various inflammatory processes in the body.
About 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have positive RF tests.
|
