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Rheumatoid factor (RF)

Category Immunology
Test background

RF is an autoantibody directed against the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG). The most clinically measured and useful class of rheumatoid factor is IgM, which is found in 50-90 % of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also seen in Sjogren's syndrome (70-80 %) and to a lesser degree in other rheumatological conditions, such as SLE, systemic sclerosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis. It is seen in 5-10 % of healthy adults and also in those with an intercurrent infection (up to 50 %).

Clinical Indications

Arthralgia, bone pain Differential diagnosis of arthritis

Reference range

<20 IU/ml

Sample & container required SST (gold top)
Sample volume 5-10 mL (1 mL serum)
Turnaround time 3 days
Notes

The laboratory is currently unaccredited for this test due to a change in platform.