What are Antithyroid Antibodies?
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is used as a diagnostic parameter for rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune antibody. Elevated levels are found in 50-70% of cases and it takes about 6 months for the test to be measured as positive.
The test for rheumatoid arthritis (Rheumatoid Factor RF) is performed using a quantitative method (measuring a number and comparing it with normal values) to assess the severity of the disease (rheumatoid arthritis) and the relevant changes that evaluate the progression and course of the disease.
Where Used
A positive test for rheumatoid arthritis (Rheumatoid Factor RF) can be measured in:
- Healthy individuals (5-10% of the general population – 25-30% in people over 70 years old)
- 5% rheumatoid variants (arthritis associated with psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
- 20-30% systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, polymyositis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites
- Lung, liver, kidney diseases
Reference Values – Normal Laboratory Ranges
In adults (18-65 years), indicative values are < 20% of the total PSA value.
Evaluation is done exclusively by the clinical urologist, as the test is significantly influenced by:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Acute or chronic prostatitis can give false values
The use of the test as a marker for neoplasia in such cases is often significantly limited
Simple blood draw at any time of the day, without the need for food preparation or medication avoidance.
Limitations:
- no restrictions on food from the previous day
- without restrictions on possible medication intake
- The result is not affected by any existing transient illness – cold
- Result the same day after 6:00 PM for samples taken before 11:00 AM.
Cost of individual test (Rheumatoid Factor RF): €10.
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Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is an antibody produced by the immune system and is typically associated with autoimmune diseases, primarily rheumatoid arthritis. The RF test is a blood test that measures the levels of this antibody and is used for the diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. When someone has rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and destruction of joint tissues. The RF test is one of the tools used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other related autoimmune diseases.
The RF test procedure requires a small amount of blood collected from a vein, usually from the elbow or wrist. The blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test results can indicate the level of RF in the blood, which is usually measured in units per liter (IU/mL) or in titer.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not the only condition associated with elevated RF levels in the blood. Other autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma, connective tissue disease, and lupus, can also lead to positive RF test results.
In addition to autoimmune diseases, high RF levels can also be present in other conditions or situations. For example, it can be associated with inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and cancer.
RF test results should be interpreted along with other clinical observations and patient data to formulate an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor or the specialist for your specific health problem will be able to interpret the results and provide appropriate advice and treatment if needed.
In summary, the RF test is a tool used to assess potential autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, primarily rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to discuss the results with your doctor to evaluate your condition and receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
