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Home / Ask the Expert / Rheumatoid Factor

Rheumatoid Factor

June 16, 2009 By Arthritis Center

Question

My RF was 1000…..what does this mean? How high can it actually go? …. I was already diagnosed with sleep apnea and fibromailgia (sp?)this past week and now my rheumatoid factor comes back this high… I am seeing a neurologist, rheumologist, and integrative medicine doctor. I am supposed to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor in three weeks to see about getting tonsils, adnoids, etc. removed to improve my sleep apnea,,,, but I want to know what to expect from that high of a factor. Thank you, Sarah

Answer

H Sarah,

this is an extremely high rheumatoid factor.  Usually, a rheumatoid factor that high is associated with either rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome.  However, a lab test by itself does not make a diagnosis.  It has to be considered along with the individual patient’s signs and symptoms.  A visit to a rheumatologist is a good idea.

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