The human body's ability to function depends on a robust immune system. The immune system defends the body from microbes that cause illness. Nonetheless, immune deficiency disorders make the body less capable of fending off intruders, leaving it more susceptible to infections. The immune system may start to produce antibodies in response to an unidentified trigger, which, rather than battling infections, target the body's tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is one such autoimmune condition. The immune system produces an autoantibody called rheumatoid factor, which is the cause of it. A chronic (long-lasting) systemic autoimmune illness is rheumatoid arthritis. It gradually results in irreversible joint degeneration and induces pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It usually happens after the age of forty. Compared to men, women are more likely to be impacted by it. If a patient exhibits signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis, a physician could suggest the Rheumatoid Factor (RA) quantitative test. The RA quantitative test helps identify autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis by measuring the amount of rheumatoid factor in the blood. An RF test is recommended if the patient's X-ray reveals edema in the joint capsules combined with bone and cartilage degeneration.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren's Syndrome, Chronic Infections

Normal - < 18 IU/mL Elevated or high - > 18 IU/mL

Overall, the IL-6 cytokine is a nonspecific biomarker of systemic inflammation that, under the right circumstances, could be helpful in clinical decision-making.

The results of a rheumatoid factor quantitative test are based on a blood sample. Test preparation Before the test This is a very simple test; hence there is no preparation required for the same. During the test The procedure for sampling blood for a rheumatoid factor quantitative test is similar to other general blood tests. A Phlebotomist collects the blood from the vein of the arm into a vial through a sterilised needle. This process barely takes 5 minutes. After the test Like any other blood test, after the sample is taken, the point of contact is cleaned and pressure is applied on the spot to stop any bleeding. There is no risk from this test and post-test restrictions. Test inclusion: What parameters are included? The rheumatoid factor quantitative test only indicates the levels of RF present in the body. This test, coupled with other tests, helps in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. The result of the rheumatoid factor quantitative test is reported as titer, which is a measurement of how much your blood can be diluted before RF antibodies are undetectable. Although, the results of the rheumatoid factor quantitative test alone is not an absolute indicator of a disease present in the body as an individual can have high RF levels but still be healthy and vice versa.