RA Factor Normal Range, Purpose, Procedure, Result, & More

Rheumatoid factor (RF) levels above the normal range mean autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an immune system protein that attacks healthy cells. An RF blood test helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. 

High RF levels can indicate rheumatoid arthritis. They can also occur in people with other conditions and those without diagnosed health issues. 

Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is associated with long-term (chronic) inflammation. A higher level of RF suggests the presence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is an inflammatory condition. While this autoantibody does not directly cause arthritis, it plays a significant role in increasing inflammation, especially in cases of joint damage. RF is detected in 70% to 80% of individuals with RA blood. The RA factor test evaluates other rheumatic diseases, chronic infections, and autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome and lupus.

What is the Rheumatoid Factor?

RF is an antibody that responds to inflammation caused by RA. These antibodies increase in your blood when they find a foreign substance, such as bacteria. Autoantibodies attack your own body's protein. In people with autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells for foreign bodies and typically creates high levels of antibodies, such as RF. A high level of RF in the body means there is some autoimmune activity happening, which can point to the presence of an underlying condition.

What is the RA Factor Test procedure? 

The RA test is a blood test, unlike other tests. During the process, a blood sample is collected from the vein of your arm.

• The healthcare provider first locates an appropriate vein.
• Next, he will tie an elastic band on the arm to increase blood flow. 
• Then, he will clean the skin with an antiseptic solution.
• To obtain the blood sample, the phlebotomist or healthcare provider will insert a syringe into your arm and collect the blood sample. Sometimes, you might feel a little stingy or in pain, but that is normal.
• After collecting the sample, he will remove the needle and apply cotton gauze or a bandage over the puncture site.
• The collected blood sample will be sent to the lab for further analysis. 

RA Factors Normal Range

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune conditions, cancers, and bacterial infections can affect RF levels. 

RA factor normal range is less than 14 IU/mL. 

Any value above the normal range indicates abnormal results, which means the test is positive. A negative result or low number means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. 

The normal range of RA factors may vary slightly from lab to lab. Talk to your medical professional to understand your results.

The Normal Range for the rheumatoid factor in Females is less than 14 IU/mL. However, it may vary slightly depending on the lab and testing method.

The Normal Range of rheumatoid factor in Males is also less than 14 IU/mL. Like in females, this range may vary slightly based on laboratory standards.

High Level of Rheumatoid Factor

A value above 14 IU/mL may be considered high, such as 50 IU/mL or more, which may indicate an increased likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or lupus. 

What does RA Factor positive Mean?

A positive Rheumatoid Factor result means you have high levels of rheumatoid factor. A high level of rheumatoid factor means you are closely linked with autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

Other diseases and health conditions can raise rheumatoid factor levels, including-

• Inflammatory lung disease 
• Mixed connective tissue disease
• Chronic infections, like viral hepatitis B and C.
• Sjogren syndrome
• Cancer
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

RA factor Negative Means

RA Factor Negative means that the levels of rheumatoid factors are within normal range. The RA factor normal range is less than 14 IU/mL. 

About 20% of people with rheumatoid arthritis are seronegative, which means they do not have high RA Factor levels. In such cases, doctors may look at other tests, symptoms, and imaging to confirm a diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of high rheumatoid factor?

Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone differently. In some people, joint symptoms develop over several years. Many people have symptoms with time, while some people have no symptoms. 

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include-

• Pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints
• Morning Stiffness 
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Muscle pain
• Loss of weight
• Extreme tiredness
• Fever

Arthritis pain may affect your finger and toe joints. If RA is not treated, it can severely affect your life, make it challenging to use your hands, and cause deformities in joints. However, it is important to start treatment early. 

Did you know females are 2 times at higher risk of having RA than men? Infection and cigarette smoking may increase the pain of existing RA. 

RA Factor Test Price

The RA factor test price is INR 399 at Redcliffe Labs. If you are experiencing the symptoms of RA, you should get tested as early as possible to start your treatment soon. However, the RA factor test price may vary from lab to lab. Choose accurate and reliable labs to ensure you get 100% correct reports.

The final Words

Understanding the normal range of the RA factor is important for assessing autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. An RA factor below 14 IU/mL is considered normal for both males and females. 

However, it is essential to interpret your test reports with your doctor to understand your symptoms and treatments. Your doctor may also advise you to take additional tests based on your symptoms.

FAQ’s

1. What is the RA Factor Normal range?

A normal RA factor value is less than 14 UL/mL.

2. What is a positive RA test?

If your rheumatoid factor test is positive, your RF levels will be higher than they should be. 

3. What does it mean if your rheumatoid factor is low?

A low RF test means you don't have rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune condition. However, some people with RA or autoimmune disease don't have high RF levels, especially if it is early on.