How Do You Test For The Rheumatoid Factor?
The rheumatoid factor is a test used in distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from any other disease or condition manifesting symptoms of inflammation, stiffness and joint pain. It is often part of a panel of autoimmune tests such as antinuclear antibody (ANA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Submit to having a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm by a doctor, nurse or lab technician. This may be done in a hospital, clinic or commercial laboratory. Expect it to take less than 5 minutes. Expect a tight band or cuff to be placed around your arm above the elbow. This allows the blood to pool and provide easy access to the vein inside the bend of the elbow. Prepare for a needle stick as the vein is punctured. The amount of discomfort is minor. In fact, you may feel no discomfort at all. Anticipate that enough blood will be collected to fill several tubes. There should be no discomfort as a filled tube is exchanged for an empty one. Allow the tech
