Blood tests & health checks
Arthritis check
Rheumatoid factor, the autoantibody screened for in joint disease
Rheumatoid factorFinger prickResults in about 5 minutes
Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody found in most people with rheumatoid arthritis and in some other autoimmune conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome. It is a screening test rather than a diagnosis on its own: a negative result does not rule rheumatoid arthritis out, and a positive one needs interpreting alongside your symptoms.
Who it is for
- Anyone with joint pain or swelling that has lasted more than a few weeks
- People with morning stiffness lasting over thirty minutes
- Anyone with a family history of autoimmune disease
Getting ready
Nothing needed beforehand
Also called
RF, Rheumatoid, Joint pain, Autoimmune
What happens next
Results in about 5 minutes. The pharmacist goes through what the number means with you, and tells you plainly if it is something to take to your GP