If you’ve ever seen a doctor because of persistent hand pain or hand swelling or even knee pain it is quite possible you’ve had the Rheumatoid Factor test done. When it comes back positive it is easy to assume that it means you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, I mean, obviously, it has the same name in it, “Rheumatoid.” But as with most things antibody related, it’s not that simple. The Rheumatoid Factor can be positive in a lot of different conditions aside from Rheumatoid Arthritis and the chance of having a positive Rheumatoid Factor blood test goes up as we get older.
Learn more about the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Rheumatoid Arthritis in the above video and take notes. Having more information will help you understand your own labs results and get you more prepared for your own doctor’s visit. 