Immunity is our protective power in contact with various infections. But today there are frequent cases when immunity becomes not an “ally”, but an “enemy”. The so-called autoimmune diseases are caused by our own immune system, which failed. One such disease is rheumatoid arthritis.
The most significant diagnostic test is the determination of rheumatoid factor.
What it is?
Rheumatoid factor is represented by antibodies to the body’s own antibodies. However, it is worth noting that this indicator not only indicates the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, but may also indicate Sjogren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and SLE. In addition, rheumatoid factor can also be detected in some blood diseases. Often this indicator is also determined for infectious diseases: tuberculosis, syphilis, endocarditis, hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, malaria.
To help doctors - a quantitative determination of this indicator, because its values in rheumatoid arthritis are many times higher. Competent specialists know that on the basis of this diagnostic method alone it is almost impossible to make a diagnosis, and when taking into account the results, they primarily pay attention to the clinical picture. However, in this case, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to confirm the correctness of the diagnosis.
When is a diagnostic procedure indicated?
Analysis for rheumatoid factor is prescribed:
- in the presence of a confirmed (to establish the activity of the process) or the need for an initial determination of the diagnosis of "rheumatoid arthritis";
- with other autoimmune diseases;
- in the presence of chronic inflammatory processes in the human body.
In healthy people, rheumatoid factor is also detected, the norm of which is no more than 10 units / ml. Exceeding this value may indicate the possibility of the development of the disease in the patient in the near future.
At the same time, this analysis cannot be called reliable and diagnostically significant, since the rheumatoid factor is increased, it can be in the absence of any pathological changes, and vice versa - often, with a confirmed diagnosis and the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, the indicator may remain within normal limits and do not change.
To determine the rheumatoid factor, blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Blood serum is drip placed in the cells of the test kit (the latter is a variety of antibodies attached to latex particles). In the presence of agglutination (bonding of particles), a positive reaction is indicated. Depending on which dilution serum is used for antibody reaction, the level of rheumatoid factor in the blood is calculated.
Today, the rheumatoid factor is determined not only to diagnose arthritis of autoimmune origin, but also to identify other disorders of the immune system. When determining the increased value of the rheumatoid factor, doctors recommend starting the primary prevention of the disease (giving up bad habits, reducing the load on the immune system, protecting against hypothermia).
Thus, the rheumatoid factor is used today not only to determine rheumatoid arthritis, but also other autoimmune and infectious diseases. It is impossible to talk about the high reliability of the diagnostic method, however, often the data obtained with its help often determine the diagnosis. The latter provides the quickest appointment of the most effective treatment regimen. This approach to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of autoimmune disorders allows the pathological process to be stopped at the initial stages of the disease.