Rheumatoid Arthritis Factors

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factors are proteins, often antibodies, found in the blood of many people with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that primarily affects joints. The presence of these factors can indicate the disease, although not everyone with RA tests positive. Common types include rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). Their detection helps doctors diagnose RA and assess its severity. However, some healthy individuals may also have these factors, so they are not definitive on their own. Diagnosis and management of RA involve a combination of clinical evaluation and various tests.