Additional Information:
UFHPL Epic order code: LAB206
CPT Code(s):
86431
Specimen Requirements:
Type: Serum or plasma
Container/Tube: Serum gel or heparinized plasma
Sample Volume: Submit full tubes.
Minimum volume: 0.5 mL serum or plasma
Preparation:
- Send specimens in their original tubes.
- Centrifuge tubes if there is a delay in transport of more than 1 hour.
Storage:
- Samples are stable for up to 1 day at 15 – 25°C.
- Samples are stable for up to 8 days at 2 – 8ºC.
Unacceptable Conditions: Samples with moderate or marked hemolysis will be rejected.
Specimen Retention Time: 5 days
Use:
Higher titres of rheumatoid factor (RF) are more specific for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are more common in patients with rapidly progressive joint destruction and in those with extraarticular manifestations, such as subcutaneous rheumatic nodules; however, RF is a non-specific test, and a positive RF is observed in 1 to 5 percent of the healthy population at low titres and in 15 to 20 percent of elderly subjects with other chronic disease states. Similarly, a negative result does not exclude RA. Approximately 25 percent of patients with a diagnosed case of RA may present with a negative result for RF.
Methodology:
Immunoturbidimetric
Reported:
Within 24 hours
Reference Values:
≤ 14 IU/mL