RF - Rheumatoid Screening - Arthritis Test in Hitchin

The RF test measures Rheumatoid Factor, an immune protein (autoantibody) in your blood that mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Elevated RF levels are strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. The test helps diagnose the condition, assess its severity, and guide treatment decisions. A simple blood sample is all that is needed, with no fasting required.

Who Should Get Tested?

Rheumatoid arthritis affects 0.5 to 1% of adults in the UK. You should consider an RF test if you experience chronic joint pain, swelling, or stiffness (especially in the wrists, hands, and feet), morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, persistent fatigue with mild fevers, loss of appetite, or firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules). RF testing also helps diagnose other autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome and lupus, and can detect inflammation linked to chronic infections like hepatitis C.

Understanding Your Results

A positive RF result does not confirm rheumatoid arthritis on its own, as other conditions can raise RF levels. Your clinic team will interpret your result alongside your symptoms and may recommend additional tests such as anti-CCP antibodies.