Question re RF and CRP | Arthritis Information

So...I had labs last week, and the nurse called me back on Monday to let me know that everything was "negative". I don't think all of the results are back yet. But, in any event...

They ran an "Antinuclear AB Survey" which was negative. No idea there.

They ran RF again. It is 6 now? Does that mean anything? She said RF negative, I thought, but the website shows 6. I think it's always been zero before. Or maybe if it's below a certain number they just call you negative? Does anyone know? I had been RF "negative" in 10/07, 1/07, and 7/07. (They ran it in 10/07 as part of a full panel; I didn't have symptoms until December, so that's why they ran it in January. Then in July because MTX wasn't working, I guess just to see what was going on).

Also she said that my CRP was just below what they consider "positive", which is 10. So it's 9.8. Great, but my CRP in January was 5.6, so it's gone up. Oh well.

I don't have another appointment until early Februray, and I don't think any of this changes the treatment, I'm just curious.

Thanks!

The reference range from my RF test indicated anything below a 20 was normal (or negative).

Definitely sounds like you have some inflammation with the CRP being elevated. Although, I have had the CRP and ESR tested during a horrible flare and they were both normal.

Okay, thanks! I've been having trouble with my thyroid so it's hard to know whether the CRP is high from that, but it's been "high" before (although I guess this doctor sees over 10 as high at least for RA). I was dx with RA based on ESR and CRP alone (although CRP was only 5.6). You've really had a hard time lately, haven't you? I really hope you get some answers soon.

C-reactive protein is produced by the liver and generally rises in the presence of systemic inflammation. It is also a non-specific test just like ESR only slightly more reliable than ESR and only tells you that there is inflammation somewhere in the body, but doesn't tell where. Usually there is no detectable CRP in circulation but reference ranges vary from lab to lab. There is a high sensitivity CRP test that is used to assess risk for cardiac disease.

Rheumatoid factor normal values depend on the method that the lab has used to detect and measure the antibody. One method has a value of less than 60u/mL while the other has a titer of less than 1:80. Based on your results, I would report it out as being seronegative since you stated that it was only a 6.

Bob H.

Thanks Bob! And thanks kweenb. It's just the uncertainty that's getting to me. But I'm excited about starting the Arava and starting a new exercise program, and I should have results on my second thyroid uptake today!I believe the AntiNuclear Antibody test is the ANA we refer to:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ana/glance.htmlI tested negetive for years. But i am positive now. I found an old simalar test. It was barely below the required amout for a positive reading. Like one point to low. Wish i had known what that meant back then. Well maybe it doesn't mean anything. But it seems that way to me. It should not change your treatment. Anti-ccp takes a long time to come back. It is frustrating. I have definate Sjorgren's which is auto-immune. Based on symtoms, eye doctor exam, no moisture readings ect. . But my bloodwork does not verify this. No one would argue that dx based on how obvious it is that i have it. So in my head i wonder what else i could i have that isn't showing up. Some days that is how i feel. Well that is how my doctors feel also. I was not allowed to start on the prednisone until after my RF test and anti-ccp. I have heard that prednisone can alter test. So i tested positive on those. But nothing run scince then shows up. I can not get off the prednisone yet. Don't ever forget that many with RA are RF negative -- and other values low or non-existent. Katie, these tests can be very helpful, but, as stated above, many people with RA are seronegative, or "negative RF", but undoubtedly have RA.

Mine is the other side of the coin. My RF factor originally tested at 658, now at around 325. But, strangely enough, I show no signs of bone deformity from RA! My rheumatologist said I am a "puzzlement". I definitely have RA. No doubt. But they can't figure out where it's doing it's damage. My bones are very bad, due to OA! But they can tell the difference with tests, that it's the OA, not RA that is causing my deformities. Especially, spine, in my case.

Milly, by the way, I also have Sjogren's, and it is very visible. Do you use Restasis for your eyes? If not try to ask your doc about it.

Hugs, Nini

Thanks. I have been dx as seronegative RA for a few months now, but I think RD is puzzled why I have some erosions, even if small, in less than a year, despite being RF negative and anti-CCP negative. Which I still am.

It's psychologically exhausting when doctors keep running tests that they are sure will be positive based on your symptoms...and with me they are- Negative. Every. Time. Same with my thyroid. Still waiting on scan results...I have a feeling they are going to make me wait until my appointment on Monday. Will try to stay busy and distracted this weekend...

Seriously, I don't have anything fatal and I just can't imagine having something like cancer and having to wait on lab results. So I am trying to focus on the fact that this is something that can be fixed (once they figure out what it is!) As to my thyroid at least. And I'm hoping for good results with Arava. No bad side effects so far!

KatieG2008-12-12 10:29:56Katie.. I too am RF and anti-CCP negative.. and I've felt like I have thyroid issues for YEARS..

I am watching your RD/dr. visits with enhanced interest because of our similarities..