Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Preferred (overnight)
- Turnaround: 3-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive autoimmune screening – Detects three RF isotypes for a detailed immune profile beyond standard testing
- Early detection & monitoring – Identifies RA risk and tracks disease activity to prevent joint damage
- No physician referral needed – Order confidentially online and manage your health independently
- Supports informed treatment decisions – Helps rheumatologists optimize therapy and assess treatment response
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes
- Those with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders
- People seeking early detection before symptoms progress
- Anyone monitoring existing RA treatment effectiveness
- Individuals with suspected autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's or lupus
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – Choose your test and schedule a convenient blood draw at a local lab near you.
- Quick blood sample – A simple venous draw takes just a few minutes; fasting overnight is preferred.
- Get results – Access your results online within 3-6 business days.
FAQ
What is the purpose of this test? This test detects and measures three types of rheumatoid factor antibodies (IgA, IgG, and IgM) to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders with greater detail than standard RF testing (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who should order this test? Anyone with joint pain, inflammation, suspected autoimmune arthritis, or a family history of RA pursuing thorough immune profiling. Early testing supports faster diagnosis and better disease management.
When should I order the Rheumatoid Factor IgA, IgG, IgM Blood Test? Order when you have symptoms of RA (joint pain, swelling, stiffness >30 minutes), when early or complex diagnosis is needed, or for ongoing monitoring of disease activity and treatment response (ACR 2024).
How do I interpret my results? Elevated levels in any RF class suggest autoimmune activity; multiple elevated isotypes may indicate more severe disease. Results >6 IU/mL are typically considered positive, but clinical context is vital—consult your doctor (NCBI 2023).
Can RF antibodies be elevated without rheumatoid arthritis? Yes. RF can be elevated in Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, chronic infections (hepatitis C, tuberculosis), and certain cancers. Some healthy individuals also have elevated RF, which is why clinical symptoms matter (NCBI 2023).
What should I do if my results are positive? A positive result warrants consultation with a rheumatologist for clinical evaluation, imaging, and additional testing (like anti-CCP antibodies). Early treatment significantly reduces joint damage and improves long-term outcomes.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Rheumatoid Factor (IgA, IgG, IgM) Blood Test measures three immunoglobulin classes of rheumatoid factor—autoantibodies that mistakenly attack healthy tissue. These antibodies target the Fc portion of IgG and are key markers of autoimmune activity. By quantifying all three isotypes, this test provides a comprehensive immune snapshot, supporting diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing joint pain, swelling, tenderness, or morning stiffness—especially if symptoms affect multiple joints symmetrically. It's also valuable for individuals with a family history of RA, those with other autoimmune conditions, or anyone seeking early detection. If you're already diagnosed with RA, this test helps monitor disease activity and assess how well your treatment is working (ACR 2024).
When should I order this test?
Order when you have symptoms suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis: joint pain, swelling, warmth, stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes, fatigue, or low fevers. Early testing—before significant joint damage occurs—improves diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Ongoing monitoring is also recommended if you're currently undergoing RA therapy to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
How do I interpret the results?
Negative (≤6 IU/mL)
- What it means: No detectable rheumatoid factor
- Typical action: Consult doctor if symptoms persist; consider other tests
Positive (>6 IU/mL) in one isotype
- What it means: Suggests autoimmune activity; possible RA
- Typical action: Schedule rheumatology consultation for clinical evaluation
Elevated in multiple isotypes
- What it means: Likely autoimmune disease; may correlate with disease severity
- Typical action: Urgent rheumatology referral; additional tests recommended
Elevated IgA RF levels specifically are linked with poorer responses to certain RA treatments like TNF inhibitors, so isotype patterns matter for treatment planning (Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 2025).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast overnight (8–12 hours) before your blood draw—this gives the most accurate results. You may drink water. Wear comfortable clothing with easily accessible arms. If you're on medications, continue taking them unless instructed otherwise; inform your healthcare provider of any recent infections or immunizations, as these can temporarily affect RF levels.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial RA diagnosis workup: Baseline test + repeat in 6–12 weeks
- Monitoring established RA on therapy: Every 3–6 months during treatment
- Stable, well-controlled disease: Annually or per rheumatologist recommendation
- Evaluating treatment response: As directed by your rheumatologist
Why early detection matters
RF positivity is found in approximately 60–90% of RA patients, with isotype patterns influencing disease prognosis and treatment response (NCBI 2023). Early detection and monitoring reduce irreversible joint damage, lower healthcare costs, and improve quality of life. Starting treatment promptly after diagnosis—especially with modern disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)—can halt disease progression and prevent disability.
Related tests you may consider
Sedimentation Rate Blood Test, Westergren – Is a blood test that can show if there is inflammation in the body. It diagnoses and monitors the conditions caused by the inflammation.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, Quantitative – Measure CRP levels to detect and monitor inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, or chronic conditions, helping doctors assess treatment effectiveness and overall health.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) Blood Test Panel – Used to diagnose and monitor health conditions by evaluating blood cells, liver and kidney function, and detecting diabetes.
