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Department

Immunology
RF

Preferred Sample Type

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Serum
5-10 mL

Sample Processing in Laboratory

Usual

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge

Turnaround Time

1 day

Sample Stability

Stored at 4oC

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

General Information

Rheumatoid factor is  a significant serological marker of rheumatoid arthritis and can occur in 50 -90% of patients with RA, however, 2-10 % of apparently healthy adults have been shown to have a positive rheumatoid factor and Rheumatoid factors can oocur in up to 50% of patients with infection. 

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

This method is suitable for serum samples only.

Reference Range

Up to 30 IU/mL = Negative

30-50= Weak Positive

Greater than 50 IU/mL = Positive

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status:

    UK NEQAS scheme for general autoimmune serology.