Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative near me in Ahmedabad

Also known as RA Factor - Quantitative

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative in Ahmedabad

What is Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative in Ahmedabad?

Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test determines the presence of rheumatoid antibodies in the body. It is available at an affordable price in Ahmedabad with Tata 1mg labs. Rheumatoid factors (RF) are the autoantibodies produced by the body's immune system that attack healthy tissues. An elevated level of RF antibodies may indicate autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and chronic infections like tuberculosis and leukemia.

Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test is advised when symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, warmth and pain in the joints, fatigue, weight loss, occasional low fever, weakness, and lumps formation are observed. Some other tests are also recommended in conjunction with this test to reach a definitive diagnosis.

What does Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative measure?

A Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test detects and measures rheumatoid factor (RF), a specific type of autoantibody (protein produced by the immune system in response to a foreign substance), in your blood. We all have antibodies which are also known as immunoglobulins in the blood. These antibodies are protective proteins that help to fight infection. However, autoantibodies may attack your own tissues mistakenly identifying them as “foreign substances”.

An RF test is sensitive but not very specific as rheumatoid factor can also be found in the body in diseases other than RA and Sjögren’s syndrome. This autoantibody is also produced in the body during some persistent bacterial and viral infections.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative in Ahmedabad

Frequently Asked Questions about Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative in Ahmedabad

Q. What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease and is a chronic (long-term or prolonged) condition. It causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints which may even cause significant damage in the long run. This condition may develop at any age but the usual age is around 40 years. As compared to men, women are more likely to get affected; it may develop in women as early as 30 years of age. Disease progression may be slow or fast, but if untreated, it can even cause permanent damage to the joints.

Q. What are the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?

The risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis are increasing age, family history of RA, smoking, environmental exposures like exposure to asbestos or silica, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.

Q. When does the doctor advise a Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test?

The doctor may advise a Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test if you show signs and symptoms like the stiffness of joints especially in the morning, pain and swelling in the joints, or underlying skin nodules. Moreover, if an X-ray shows swelling in the joint capsules along with the loss of cartilage and bone, an RF test may be advised.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test?

No, usually there are no risks associated with this test. The blood sample is withdrawn with the help of a needle and the process is fairly fast and relatively painless. Very rarely, you may experience excessive pain, bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin), bruising, or infection at the site of the needle prick. Consult the doctor if you experience any of these.

Q. Does a high level of RF mean that my arthritis is bad?

In most cases, high levels of RF indicate arthritis. However, RF levels may also increase due to Sjögren's syndrome or other inflammatory conditions. Elevated RF levels in your blood can even indicate a viral infection, bacterial infection like tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sarcoidosis, liver disease, lung disease, or kidney disease.

Q. What other tests may be advised after an RF test?

After an RF test, anti-CCP antibody test, antinuclear antibody test, complete blood count test, and X-ray may also be advised. If a person has positive anti-CCP antibody and RF tests, then it indicates that the person has rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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