Rheumatoid Factor blood test

[Gillybean129]

Hi all

New to this, I have just seen my results and have this back, is it confirmation I have RA?

Rheumatoid factor level (XE255) 20 iu/mL [0 - 15]

Many thanks all

[oldtimer]

There is a good article here:medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

that explains whether a positive result matters.

The short answer is that it is a guide towards the diagnosis and it is more likely that you will develop Rheumatoid Arthritis if you have a higher level than is regarded as normal. But by itself it isn't very helpful.

It's worth you having a look too at the information on newly diagnosed on the NRAS website.

[Gillybean129 in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you very much

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Gillybean129, welcome to the NRAS site. An RF of 20 is a slightly raised positive but not really helpful on it's own. That said, along with other blood tests you can be diagnosed without a strong RF, that would be seronegative RD (seropositive is a high value). Did you have any other tests, inflammatory (ESR & CRP) or anti-ccp? If so, let us know those values. You do have another autoimmune disease & they do tend to buddy up if you already have one. Maybe this is why your RF has been taken.

Lots more info here about tests & diagnosis nras.org.uk/resource/unders... nras.org.uk/resource/diagno...

If there's anything you need explaining or further personal experience after reading the above we'll be happy to help.

[Soundofmusic52]

Welcome to the group were all a good bunch no question is silly we’re all here to help 😷