Rheumatoid Factor · high result
What does a high Rheumatoid Factor mean?
Short answer
Rheumatoid factor is an antibody found in about 70–80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis — but also in 5–10% of healthy people (more with age), in Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, chronic hepatitis C and other long-standing infections. A positive result is a reason to look further, especially with joint symptoms; it does not diagnose arthritis on its own. Anti-CCP is the more specific companion test.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Rheumatoid Factor?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 14.0 IU/mL
Can reflect rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's, or chronic infections. Many people with elevated RF have no disease.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Rheumatoid Factor biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Rheumatoid Factor?
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, mixed connective tissue disease
- Chronic infections: hepatitis C, endocarditis, tuberculosis
- Healthy older adults (low titers)
- Chronic liver or lung disease, cryoglobulinemia
What symptoms go with high Rheumatoid Factor?
- Joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness lasting over an hour, often symmetric small joints
- Dry eyes and mouth (Sjögren's)
- Often none
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Anti-CCP antibodies, CRP and ESR
- Hepatitis C test if not known
- Rheumatology referral with joint symptoms — early treatment changes outcomes
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: Body Inflammation Test (ESR) ($18.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99), Rheumatoid Arthritis Antibody Test (Anti-CCP) ($32.99), Sed Rate (ESR) ($24.99).
How do you recheck Rheumatoid Factor?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autoimmune Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $129.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| Autoimmune Advanced Panel | Panel · 11 tests | $159.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| Total Body Panel | Panel · 49 tests | $499.99 | Yes | 5–10 business days |
| Rheumatoid Factor (RF) | Test | $21.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
Common questions
I have a positive RF but no joint pain. Do I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Probably not. Low-level RF is common in healthy people; without symptoms and with a negative anti-CCP, most clinicians simply note it and watch.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.