What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that won't go away, especially in your hands, wrists, or knees. It helps check whether your immune system may be mistakenly attacking your own joints, which is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis. It's often used alongside other tests and a review of your symptoms to help figure out what's causing ongoing joint discomfort.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the normal range clearly explained next to your value. If your result is elevated, next steps typically include tracking your symptoms, reducing joint strain, and considering a follow-up test to confirm the finding, since a single high result doesn't always mean rheumatoid arthritis. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account at any time, and use the trends feature to see how your levels change if you retest in the future.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone dealing with unexplained joint pain, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, or swelling in multiple joints may want to consider this test. It's also useful if joint symptoms run in your family or if you've noticed fatigue along with joint issues. People already being evaluated for an autoimmune condition often use this test as part of putting the full picture together.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include joint pain and swelling that lasts for weeks, stiffness in the morning that improves as the day goes on, and joints that feel warm or tender to the touch. Fatigue, low-grade fevers, and small firm lumps under the skin near joints can also be clues. If these symptoms show up in a symmetrical pattern, meaning both hands or both knees, it's worth checking.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected at the lab. Once processed, they're uploaded straight to your secure online account so you can view them as soon as they're available. You'll be able to see your exact value alongside the reference range to understand what it means.

How can I naturally support joint health?

Gentle, low-impact exercise like swimming or walking can help keep joints flexible without adding stress. Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, and olive oil may help ease overall inflammation in the body. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight also reduce the load on your joints and support your immune system.

What does a high Rheumatoid Factor result mean?

A high result means your blood has more of this particular antibody than is typical, which can suggest your immune system is more active than usual against your own tissue. It's often seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but it can also show up with other autoimmune conditions or even in some healthy people. Because of this, a high result is usually looked at together with your symptoms and other test results rather than on its own.

What causes an elevated Rheumatoid Factor level?

Elevated levels are most commonly linked to rheumatoid arthritis, but other conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, certain infections, and some liver or lung conditions can also raise this marker. Age can play a role too, since some older adults have mildly elevated levels without any related disease. Retesting and tracking symptoms over time helps clarify what's driving an elevated result.

How often should I retest?

If your result comes back normal but you still have symptoms, retesting in a few months alongside a symptom check can be helpful. If you're already managing a diagnosed condition, retesting every 6 to 12 months can help you and track how things are trending. Your trends dashboard makes it easy to compare results side by side over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by noting your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and which joints are affected, since this information is useful for further evaluation. Focus on low-impact activity, anti-inflammatory eating habits, and stress reduction while you figure out next steps. If your joint pain becomes severe, you develop a fever, or your joints suddenly swell significantly, seek medical care promptly.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Rheumatoid Factor Test - Joint Pain & Arthritis Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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