Definition of Rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid factor: Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is measurable in the blood. It is commonly used as a blood test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in about 80% of adults (but a much lower proportion of children) with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also present in patients with other connective tissue diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus) and in some with infectious diseases (such as infectious hepatitis).
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5356
Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:28:00 PM
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