Approach to a Positive (+) Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

(+) RF does not always = RA

Rheumatic disorders:

 • Rheumatoid arthritis

 • SLE, Sjogren's & Mixed connective tissue (types II & III)

 • Mixed cryoglobulinemia

 • Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis

Non-rheumatic disorders:

 • Chronic infections

 • Inflammatory disorders of Liver & Lung

 • Malignancies

 • Aging



Andrew Sanchez M.D. @ASanchez_PS



#Rheumatoid #Factor #RF #rheumatology #laboratory #differential #diagnosis