How is Rheumatoid Factor Formed?

Rheumatoid factor is an antibody. It is necessary to fast for twelve hours before the examination. Do not eat greasy food on the evening before the examination. Relax when blood is drawn for the examination and do not feel afraid. After the examination, locally press the needle hole for about five minutes to stop the bleeding. Do not rub it with your hands to avoid causing hematoma under the skin.

Rheumatoid factor is an antibody produced in the body in response to infection factors (such as bacteria, viruses, etc.) with degenerated IgG (an antibody) as the antigen, so it is also called anti-antibody.

Rheumatoid factor is a commonly used indicator in clinical practice to identify various arthritis. Rheumatoid factor refers to the Fc segment receptor antibody of immunoglobulin IgG in serum, and its detection method is blood drawing, centrifugation, and detection of rheumatoid factor levels by latex agglutination method. Rheumatoid factor is divided into IgG type, IgA type and IgM type. Ordinary rheumatoid factor is IgM type, while IgG type and IgA type rheumatoid factors are also called latent rheumatoid factors. High rheumatoid factor levels indicate that the immune function of the patient's body is disrupted and has or will develop rheumatoid arthritis. High rheumatoid factor levels can also lead to other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome, lupus erythematosus, etc.

1. IgM type RF: In patients with RA, when the titer of IgM type RF in serum is >80IU/ml and accompanied by severe joint dysfunction, it usually indicates poor prognosis for the patient.

2. IgG type RF: The presence of IgG type RF in the serum or synovial fluid of patients with RA is closely related to the patient's synovitis, vasculitis, and joint symptoms.

3. IgA type RF: It is an indicator of clinical activity in RA. Positive IgA type RF is significantly correlated with the severity of arthritis symptoms and bone destruction in patients.