Rheumatoid Factor
Alternate Terms:- RF
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a protein (antibody) made by the immune system that can attack the body's own tissues. An elevated rheumatoid factor may indicate the presence of an inflammatory disease.
Rheumatoid factor can be measured with a blood test. This is most helpful for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren's syndrome. Certain heart and liver diseases, infectious diseases (such as tuberculosis), and normal aging may also increase RF levels.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated: May 25, 2007 | |
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