Positive Rheumatoid Factor
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Special considerations
The RF test can be positive in some healthy people.
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More information on "Positive Rheumatoid Factor"
From Our Experts
Rheumatoid Factor: What is it? What does it mean?
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From Our Sources
Rheumatoid factor
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein,... Read more »
What Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Lab Results Mean
Q: How do most patients get referred to a rheumatologist in the first place?Kremer: Usually, it’s the pain that’s perceived to be arthritis pain.... Read more »
Rheumatoid factor
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Normal ValuesResults are usually reported in one of two ways:Less than 40-60 u/mLLess than 1:80 (1 to 80) titerA low number (normal result) usually... Read more »
Rheumatoid factor (RF)
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
ReferencesGoodyear CS, Tighe H, McInnes IB. Rheumatoid factors and other autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris... Read more »
Rheumatoid Arthritis in Young Women -- A Personal Assistant to...
Read the full text of For Hire: A Personal Assistant to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis and leave a comment! Read all of Sara's Posts Visit The Single... Read more »
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