Also Known As
RF Blood Test
The Purpose of a Rheumatoid Factor Test
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, which can lead to painful inflammation in areas such as the hands and knees. The rheumatoid arthritis blood test helps healthcare providers confirm a diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and determine the effectiveness of treatment strategies. The test can also help pinpoint other types of autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, scleroderma, or Sjogren syndrome, as well as infections, including tuberculosis and hepatitis C.
What Does the Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Test Measure?
The RA test detects rheumatoid factor antibodies in the blood produced by the immune system because it mistakenly thinks the body’s normal cells and tissues are invading germs. Rheumatoid factors are present in people with autoimmune conditions.
Who Should Take a Rheumatoid Factor Blood Test?
You may want to take a rheumatoid factor test if you have a family history of the condition or if you are experiencing symptoms such as :
- Aches, pains, or stiffness in multiple joints
- Swelling at more than one joint
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness
- Fever
- Mirrored symptoms (for instance, you feel pain in both of your hands)
RA Test Preparation
You don’t need to follow special instructions before your rheumatoid factor blood test.
Blood Test for Rheumatoid Arthritis Results
A positive test result means rheumatoid factor antibodies were found in your blood sample, and that may require more testing. A negative result found no antibodies or very low levels; however, some people with rheumatoid arthritis don’t produce many antibodies, so they get a negative result. This may also call for more testing if you are experiencing symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. You can seek advice with one of our Personalabs physicians during a telehealth appointment.
Where Can I Get a Rheumatoid Factor Blood Test Near Me?
Get the healthcare answers you need when you shop online at Personalabs. We offer more than 400 tests, including tests specifically targeting rheumatoid arthritis, so you can take control of your health and make informed choices. The process is straightforward and user-friendly:
Step 1: Get your doctor’s OK to purchase the test, if necessary (depending on the state where you live), and then buy your test. It comes with a lab order, which you’ll need to download to bring to your testing appointment.
Step 2: Browse our 4,000-plus partner facilities nationwide with the lab locator tool on our website and schedule your blood test for rheumatoid arthritis. We work with Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, two of the country’s top lab companies.
Step 3: Bring the test order to the lab for your appointment and complete the blood test.
Step 4: Check your secure Personalabs account within 2 to 10 business days after your test date to get your results. Contact us if you require the results by a specific date, and we will work with your lab.
When it comes to your healthcare decisions, we put the power in your hands. Make Personalabs your wellness partner and shop our test collections today.
