lab work questions | Arthritis Information

I was dignosed with OA in my hip 2 years ago. After that I started having problems with other joints. I have had 3 postive RA test with really no explanation of why.

I went to a new general doctor last week. My lab results are in and he is being very vague. He told me my ANA was negative, I am taking that is a good thing? My RA factor is 81. Higher than last time. He told me is not ready to say I have RA. I understand there are other reasons for high RA factors. I just wish someone could tell me why mine is high and why I hurt all the time.

How high is everyone's RA factor in here? and is 81 considered extremly high?

Hi Kimmey. The numbers can vary in the same person, from test to test.

When I was tested the first time, my rheumatoid was 658! The last time, 2 weeks ago, it was 257. Mine never goes below 250. "normal" is about 1-13.

The ANA, if it is high, can indicate lupus. Of course, there is other testing, etc. involved in a firm diagnosis.

There is also a test called a "CCP" test, which is supposed to be more conclusive for RA. You might want to to talk to your doctor about it.

Good luck! And welcome!

Please let us know how you do.

Hugs, Nini

Hi Kimmy, There is a wide range of lab results that people can have with RA.

RA Factor can be negative (0-13)...

to positive like yours...

to significant positive like Nini's...

to extremely high like mine: 1,640!

RF is usually a diagnostic tool, but like Nini, I've had mine rechecked many times and found it to vary. In all the 7 years of RA, mine has never been lower than 1,250. Mine hasn't gone consistently down either, for example, the 1,640 was my most recent result, 3-4 months ago. I have no idea why it's so high. I have been tested several times for other reasons to explain it, ie hepatitis, endocarditis, and others, but they've always been neg.

It's a mystery if you ask me. Others here may know more about it.

Cathy

Hi Kimmy,

My lab's normal range for RF was 0-19. My RF was 330. The Anti-CCP is a better indicator of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you haven't had one, you might ask for one. Can your GP refer you to a Rheumatologist?