Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP
rheumatoid factor · RF test · anti-CCP · rheumatoid arthritis blood test
This is a blood test from a vein. It looks for antibodies that can show up with joint inflammation.
For pain, swelling, and morning stiffness in the joints, especially in the hands and feet.
⏱ Duration: the blood draw takes a few minutes; results usually come in 1 to 5 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Best in the morning, fasting for 8 to 12 hours. Water is fine. Check with the lab.
- The day before. For 24 hours, no alcohol and no hard workouts. Best not to smoke in the morning.
- Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor what you take. They will decide if anything should change.
What to bring
- Your test request form
- Your ID
- Past tests and joint X-rays, if you have them
How it goes
- You sit down and rest your arm on the armrest
- A band is tightened above your elbow
- The skin is wiped with antiseptic
- A quick prick, and blood fills a tube
- The needle comes out, and a cotton pad is pressed on the spot
What you'll feel
- A quick prick, like a pinch
- Sometimes slight dizziness. Tell the nurse
Afterwards
- Press the cotton pad for 3 to 5 minutes and keep your arm straight
- You can eat right away and go back to your usual day
- Results usually come in 1 to 5 days. The lab will tell you when
- A rheumatologist will look at the result together with an exam
Common questions
Does a positive rheumatoid factor mean rheumatoid arthritis?
Not always. It can show up in healthy people and in other illnesses. Your doctor makes the diagnosis.
Why test anti-CCP together with rheumatoid factor?
Together they are more accurate. Anti-CCP can turn positive earlier.