Does anyone know exactly what it means to be RF+? Does this mean that one actually has RA? Or can it be dormant? I really don't get the science of all these tests.

Hi Erica,

AS and the other Spondyloarthropathies are sero-negative diseases. This means that the classic Spondy patient is RF Negative. It is unusual - but certainly not unheard of - that you are Rheumatoid Factor Positive and have been diagnosed with Undifferientated Spondylitis. Do you know if it was a strong or weak concentraton? A positive RF may mean that you have RA, Sjogren's or any of a number of other disorders associated with a strongly positive Rheumatoid Factor. It may also mean nothing at all.

From Lab Tests Online:
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/rheumatoid/test.html

What does the test result mean?
The RF test must be interpreted in conjunction with a person's symptoms and clinical history to make a diagnosis of RA, Sjögren's syndrome, or another condition. In those with symptoms and clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis, the presence of significant concentrations of RF indicates that it is likely that they have RA. In people with the symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, significant concentrations of RF indicate that it is likely that they have Sjögren's.

A negative RF test does not rule out RA or Sjögren's syndrome. About 20% of people with RA and many of those with Sjögren's syndrome will be persistently negative for RF and/or may have very low levels of RF.

Positive RF test results may also be seen in healthy people and in people with conditions such as: endocarditis; systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus); tuberculosis; syphilis; sarcoidosis; cancer; viral infection; or disease of the liver, lung, or kidney. The RF test is not used to diagnose or monitor these other conditions.

Thank you! That is a great link. I'm going to share it with my sisters, too. I have just about 1/2 the symptoms of RA, lupus, and os course here's the uSpA. All in all though, I have been blessed with very little joint damage. Thank you again!

Peace

Hi Erica,
I'm RA+. I don't know what this means for me though. My doctors know it but don't want to do any further investigation. Ohh, I have a definite diagnosis in AS plus HLA_B27+ too.
Take care,
James

Hi Erica,

I have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis but I'm not RF+. My diagnosis is seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.

Just like doing a bleepin hard jigsaw puzzle in your head isnt it?
Found out last week RF+ but HLAB27- but now realise I still could have AS
Xrays next week to see if any damage!

This whole deal is crazy, right?

I have one sister w/ full on lupus w/ hip replacement and two knees to follow - she is negative for everything, ANA-, RF-, HLAB27-. She has horrible red huge joint swelling flares complete w/ butterfly mask and vomiting.

We also have a sister who is HLAB27+ but negative everything else, who has fusing since her teens and ridiculous fibro pain, but RF- as well. She's even had elective joint fusion to relieve finger pain.

Then there's me who's positive for everything ( but low CRP & ESR ) so far, but I have awesome guts and no joint damage to speak of except some mild spinal deterioration.... I just get bouts of crazy wicked pain, eye pain, rashes, and absurd stiffness.

My point is that test results are just that. We are just who we are no matter the test results!

Just took a pic of my lower lumbar as I have strange bruising and was going to post it
Several months ago I showed it to my doc and all I got was - Thats weird!

Are you anemic?

DONT THINK SO