I am waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist because my rheumatoid factor is elevated, and my hands, elbows, knees, and toes are swollen. I was put on prednisone until I can see the specialist. After five days the swelling remains, though I don't ache as much--except in the hands. It's certainly easier to type that use a pen, if you take it slowly!
I am wondering what RF levels are considered diagnostic of RA. I have read "over 20", and "over 30". My lab results list 30 and below as normal. Just thought someone may have an idea.
Happy to have found this message board! Hello! You may not even have an increased number. I am one that is negative for the RF. Remember, just you may not have the "right" RF, doesn't mean that you don't have RA. It may just take longer to get a definitive diagnosis. They thought for several years I had something called "infectious arthritis" because the RF factor wasn't indication my RA. It wasn't until the damage started showing up on xrays that they changed the dx to RA. Stick with it if you don't get the answers or the help you need. Best of Luck! This is a great place to come when you need answers. There is always someone who has experienced what you need help with.
They say the average number is 14.
I have had 3 numbers one was around 145, one at 221 and one over 500 in the past year.
I have also been told that you can have the number and not have RA or you can have no numbers and still have RA.
The numbers are just a hint that inflammation etc. are going on in your body, it will help the rhummy dr. to see what treatment needs to be done.
MY TEST ONLY SHOW NEGATIVE,
WHAT TEST SHOWS A VALUE?
THE TEST I HAD IS : RA (RF) TEST, RF SCREEN , RESULT: NEGATIVE, FLAG SHOWS BLANK AND REFERENCE SHOWS NEGATIVE
I WONDER IF MY DOCTOR WILL ORDER IT AGAIN WITH ABSOLUTE VALUES, WOULD THIS MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
BLOOD TESTS ARE JUST ONE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL THAT MAY BE USED IN DIAGNOSING RA. IF YOU ARE SERUM NEGATIVE OTHER FACTORS WILL BE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING A DIAGNOSIS LIKE X-RAYS, MRI, SYMPTOMS, FAMILY HISTORY (MAYBE DEPENDING ON THE DOCTOR), ETC.Hi Jana, My rh factor finally turned up positive after 8 years of all blood work being normal. It was 60 which I think is kind of average for RA, but I've heard of people with much higher numbers.