What does rheumatoid factor mean?

Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody.

Rheumatoid factor is mainly an antibody against the Fc fragment of denatured immunoglobulin IgG. Its production is related to autoimmune reactions. Rheumatoid factor is often elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but it is not a specific indicator of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor may also be positive in other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome.

Rheumatoid factor detection has certain auxiliary effects on the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but it cannot be diagnosed or ruled out solely by its positive or negative results. It also needs to be combined with clinical symptoms, signs and other test results for comprehensive judgment.