Description:

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor (RA Factor) Test measures the rheumatoid factor antibody in the blood – typically not present in a normal individual’s blood. If present, this can be an indication of rheumatoid arthritis.

In fact, a positive RA factor is also present in patients with other conditions including other connective tissue diseases, infectious diseases like hepatitis, parasites, liver disease and more.

Why Do I Need It?:

If your joints hurt from walking up stairs, opening up jars or other routine activity, you may want to take the RA Factor Test. Rheumatoid arthritis often causes problems in several joints at the same time – affecting your smaller joints like wrists and ankles first. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck can also become involved. Basically, your whole body hurts and it’s not fun.

Get screened early because rheumatoid arthritis can be curbed by medicine and other treatments.

Other Relevant Tests:

Customers who choose the RA Factor also opt for the Sedimentation Rate, C-Reactive Protein, and Antinuclear Antibodies tests. As an upgrade, some customers select the Connective Tissue Panel.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

High Results Indicate:

High levels can indicate rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, vasculitis, an infectious disease, endocarditis or liver disease.

Low Results Indicate:

Low levels are ideal and are usually not monitored.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

Your first step would be to see your primary care physician and if needed your physician may refer you to a rheumatologist.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)