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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffA rheumatoid factor test may be used to:
- Diagnose certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome, when combined with a physical exam and other tests and procedures.
- Determine the prognosis of previously diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Prognosis is one factor your doctor considers when choosing an appropriate treatment.
A rheumatoid factor test is often combined with other blood tests, depending on your situation. When rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, your doctor may also recommend tests for antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or sed rate).
- Shmerling RH. Origin and utility of measurement of rheumatoid factors. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 2, 2008.
- Tighe H, et al. Rheumatoid factor. In: Harris ED, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/103645283-2/0/1257/0.html. Accessed Sept. 2, 2008.
- Rheumatoid factor. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/rheumatoid/multiprint.html. Accessed Sept. 8, 2008.
- Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Sept. 20, 2008.
