Rheumatoid factor (RF) testing in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects many health, so it should be detected early and have an effective treatment regimen. Where a commonly used way to identify this disease is the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, the results of this test are very helpful in the examination and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, also known as polyarthritis. When the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the main internal tissues, it will cause an autoimmune disorder in the body, thereby appearing rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis in addition to destroying and damaging the body's joint system. They also affect body systems including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the disease early so that it can be treated promptly.

Rheumatoid Factor Test - RF is a quantitative test for rheumatoid factor in the blood. The results of the test have an extremely important role in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid factor - RF test will be ordered for patients with signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Specifically, the signs of this pathology can include pain, heat, swelling, stiffness in the joints in the morning; joint pain appear nodules under the skin; X-ray images show swelling of joint cystitis, cartilage loss or bone loss, finger arthritis,...
Besides, rheumatoid factor - RF test is also done with patients with signs of Sjogren's syndrome such as no mouth or eyes; dry skin; joint and muscle pain.
Rheumatoid factor – RF test can be repeated many times if the result is negative but the condition has not improved.

As we all know, the rheumatoid factor - RF test has an important role in the diagnostic process. So what is this test based on?
Rheumatoid factor test - RF is conducted based on testing for the presence of RF antibodies in the tested human blood. The basis of the test is therefore the RF antibody, an antibody produced by the body's immune system. RF antibodies are autogenous antibodies that attack the body's own tissues by confusing body tissues with foreign proteins.
The amount of RF antibodies in human blood is always at a certain level, the index of normal people is < 12U/mL. When the number of antibodies exceeds the limit, the destruction of body cells is greater and causes rheumatoid arthritis. Based on this, the doctor can determine whether the patient has rheumatoid arthritis or not.

The steps to perform Rheumatoid Factor - RF test are very simple, the important step has been performed by advanced machines, so the testing process is also shortened and the results obtained are also more accurate. The following are the specific steps of the rheumatoid factor – RF test.
Step 1: Examination and preparation
Patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis should go to medical facilities to be examined and determine their current condition. Based on the symptoms and information provided by the patient, the doctor will decide whether to order a test for rheumatoid factor - RF in this case or not. If a rheumatoid factor-RF test is needed, the patient will be explained about the issues involved in this process. Step 2: Take a sample for testing
Patient provides personal information. The doctor takes about 3ml of peripheral venous blood and puts it into a sample tube. Centrifuge the test sample to separate the serum. Step 3: Test
The test sample will be put into the testing machine that has pre-installed low-form factor - RF test mode. Waiting for result.

Step 4: Return results
After the tester is finished working, the results will be displayed and will be classified into the following cases:
RF result < 12 U/mL: low amount of stored element circulating in the blood is within normal limits. RF results equal to or greater than 14 IU/ml: now that the amount of rheumatoid factor circulating in the blood has exceeded the normal limit, the patient may have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome. After having negative results, if there are some suspicious clinical symptoms, the doctor may assign the patient to perform some other tests such as anti - CCP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate - ESR, X. – optical, ... to ensure more accurate diagnostic results.
If the patient has signs of rheumatoid arthritis or is prescribed by a doctor, they can conduct a rheumatoid factor - RF test at reputable medical facilities, including the International General Hospital Vinmec. Getting accurate results will help patients treat the disease early, thereby limiting the destruction and damage to the bone system, and at the same time improving the ability to restore movement function for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.