What a Positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test REALLY Means (Not Just Rheumatoid Arthritis!)

Confused by a positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test result? You're not alone! This video with Dr. Chapman breaks down exactly what Rheumatoid Factor is – an autoantibody that can be a clue for conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but isn't a diagnosis on its own. Learn why your doctor might order an RF test, especially if you're experiencing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.

Dr. Chapman decodes the "detective story" of RF, revealing it can appear in various autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's Syndrome, infections, and even in healthy individuals. Discover the importance of Anti-CCP antibodies in diagnosing RA and understand why a single test result is never the full picture. Get clarity on your symptoms and what steps to take next if your RF test is positive.

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The information provided in this video is for general informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. For those interested in a deeper dive, we've included links to medical resources in the video description.

References:
General Information & Clinical Significance:Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020.

Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - StatPearls. "Rheumatoid Factor."

Ingegnoli F, et al. "Rheumatoid factors: clinical applications." Clin Chim Acta. 2013.

Keshavarz H, et al. "Rheumatoid factor isotypes in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and prognosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Int J Rheum Dis. 2023.

van der Helm-van Mil AH, et al. "Clinical significance of rheumatoid factors in early rheumatoid arthritis..." Ann Rheum Dis. 2006.

American College of Rheumatology (ACR): Patient information.

Medscape: Articles on Rheumatoid Factor and Pre-Clinical RA.

AAFP: Articles on evaluation of musculoskeletal complaints.

PMC: Research articles on pre-clinical RA.

EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis.