Bring your prescription to our Banur lab or call 8872524007 to book.
What the RA Factor test checks
Labs use one of two methods. A latex slide test gives a quick positive or negative, sometimes with a titre. A turbidimetric or nephelometric method gives a number in IU/mL, which is more useful for comparing results over time. Your report will say which was used.
Why your doctor may order it
- joint pain and swelling, especially in the small joints of the hands, wrists or feet on both sides
- morning stiffness that lasts more than about half an hour
- a raised ESR or CRP with joint symptoms
- suspected Sjögren's syndrome (dry eyes and mouth)
- working out the type of arthritis, often together with anti-CCP
How to prepare
No fasting and no special timing. You can eat normally and come at any hour we're open. Tell the doctor about recent infections or vaccinations, because these can briefly raise RF in some people.
Sample type and report time
- Sample: serum (red or yellow cap tube)
- Fasting: not needed
- Report: usually same day or next day
If your doctor has also asked for anti-CCP or uric acid, these come from the same tube. Check what's on the slip by calling 8872524007.
Understanding your results
Cut-offs depend on the method; many labs treat roughly 14 to 20 IU/mL as the upper limit of normal. The range printed on your report is the one that applies, since ranges vary by lab and method.
About 70 to 80% of people with established rheumatoid arthritis test positive, and higher levels are often linked with more active disease. But RF also turns up in other conditions: Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, chronic lung or liver disease, and infective endocarditis. It is found in a share of healthy people too, more so after the age of 60. A negative result doesn't rule out rheumatoid arthritis, especially early on. Your doctor reads the result alongside your symptoms, an examination and other tests.
FAQ
Does a positive RA factor mean I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Not by itself. Infections, liver disease, other autoimmune conditions and simply getting older can all produce a positive RF. Doctors combine it with symptoms, examination and usually anti-CCP.
Can I eat before an RA factor test?
Yes. No fasting is needed.
Where can I get an RA factor test near me in Banur?
At Alpha Laboratory on M.C. Road, Banur. We can also collect from your home through home sample collection, daily in Banur and nearby villages.
Why was my RF negative when my joints still hurt?
Around a fifth or more of people with rheumatoid arthritis never test positive for RF, and many other causes of joint pain don't involve RF at all. Your doctor will decide what to check next.
Book at Alpha Laboratory
Book your RA factor test in Banur with a quick call on 8872524007, or WhatsApp us the doctor's slip. Hours and directions are on our contact page.