Rheumatoid factor labs

[jcarlton76]

Hello. Im trying to understand whats going on. My drs have been running tons of test because my joint and muscles ache so bad and some of my knuckles are swollen in my hand. So one day i tested positive for rheumatoid factor IGG and rheumatoid factor IGM but IGA was negative. A week later they did a straight rheumatoid factor test and that came back negative. These tests have different reference ranges if that makes a difference. But does anyone know what that means. Is it different test? Or are my levels changing?

[Marz]

Have had a quick look through your previous posts and cannot see any results for B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD. I can see testing was suggested. LOW VitD can cause horrid pain and as you have an auto-immune condition it is possible your levels are low.

VitD is good at around 100/125. Folate and Ferritin good at mid range. B12 good around 500+ - 75 if it's the Active Test.

Do you have results to share ?

[jcarlton76 in reply to Marz]

No test results to share yet. I see my dr on the 8th and am going to ask her to run those tests. Thank you

[nellie237]

Hi jcarlton,

I don't think the answer is clear cut. Labtests on-line are good for info.

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

You might want to read about testing CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody) too

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

[radd]

jcarlton76,

Different labs use different ranges and the percentage of the result through range will be the same, so no it doesn't matter.

These are different immunoglobulins that become raised in the presence of infections so levels are variable. They can be associated with RA but are not a definitive diagnosis. You will need more labs such as CCP’s and possible scans for further assessment.

Have you had Hashimotos confirmed? Inflammation is a natural part of healing but when becomes elevated for long periods of time it can encourage the manifestation of other autoimmune disease. Your aim would be to reduce the antibodies which has resulted in the inflammation.

Members have found adopting a gluten free diet to be helpful, and supplementing selenium. I don't have RA but use curcumin which manages my Hashi aches & pains. There is also a HealthUnlocked RA community who should be able to offer more insights.

healthunlocked.com/nras/about

[CoeliacMum1]

I’ve recently had lots of immunology and rheumatoid factor tests.

I think like what’s been said already these results don’t give diagnosis as a stand alone test, but can help see what is going off … I’m having to repeat one of my tests, dna antibodies early next year as came back slightly positive but doesn’t mean anything at this stage I’m told.

I guess if a positive at next one, I’ll be referred to rheumatologist for further tests if that’s at all possible.. after eliminating rheumatism and lupus, they’re now looking at Myositis and those areas as that’s slightly positive.

All my basic inflammation tests were negative or at very best very low, so no indication of anything, hence digging deeper… all my tests have been done privately I will add no idea if would be considered on NHS.

I have had joint stiffness and muscular aches with severe spasms resulting last Spring with rigidity… yes if you look those symptoms up along with having hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s you will find Hoffman’s is up there but my endocrinologist thinks it’s not related to my thyroid 🙄 now just upping my Levothyroxine but hasn’t ruled out adding T3, ironically only got my TSH & FT4 results the FT3 went walkabout 😠

I’m just having my bloods done this week to see if rise has helped anything doubt it as feel absolutely no difference but early days it’s 7wks since rise, but guess TSH they all harp on about will be a bit lower as I’m way too high, I’ve not recorded one lower than 2.27 ever in 8 or so years … but I’m definitely seeking a second opinion once he’s done!

I think various infections viruses even allergies can trigger positive results regardless of what they’re screening so can be a long process of repeating tests.

Only my thoughts,

I would assume if having several tests and all being positive it would be something but having a negative test might indicate all is ok or inconclusive.

Have they looked at uric acid levels eg for gout?

Whatever it’s horrible being incapacitated with these things,

Ask for an explanation of results next time and what will they be looking at next, to rule things out.

I sat on it’s all ok by GP for too long and now not letting it drop till I have ticked everything off before accepting it’s one of those things!

I hope you find some relief soon.

[elaine2447]

Sorry to hear you are suffering. I am the same and I can barely get out of bed the last six months but sadly that has coincided with the Pfizer vax. All my blood tests are fine so the GP is baffled, just said why didnt I say anything after the first shot (as if!!!!) Just hoping eventually it will go away. My feet buzz and feel like i am walking on sharp sponges, I have an appointment to see a geriatrician in January, great, ha ha.