Two different RF Tests?

[jjean]

Does anyone know what the difference is between a Rheumatoid Factor (RF Immunoassay test), and a RF IgM Autoantibody Turbidimetry test?  I hope I spelled those right!  Is one test more specific for Rheumatoid Arthritis than another?  Does each test look for something specific that the other test does not?  Can I have RA if my CCP is ppositive at 30, and my RF Immunoassay is negative?  Is that why my doctor is ordering the other RF IgM test?  I have osteoarthritis in all my joints (hands, knees, ankles and spine). Does RA cause osteoarthritis to appear everywhere?  (I do NOT  have red warm swollen joints, but both my ankles are very puffy.)  And I have bony spurs on both kneecaps and fingers and outer ankles.  I am disabled in both knees and my legs hurt when I stand and walk.  I get rashes every day on my chest that fade in an hour.  And I feel very tired all the time.  Could this be RA or another autoimmune disease?  Sorry I asked so many questions, but my rheumatologist does not tell me anything!  I think he is unsure and is still trying to figure it out.  I hope a medical doctor sees this question and can answer it.  

[joycekatherine]

Hi, sure wish I could help you...I may be going thru the same things soon myself, so I hope you don't mind if I follow this thread and maybe we'll both get some answers from some of the other members!!  ;)  joyce

[Lori707]

I have most of what you're talking about but I don't have rashes. In fact, in 5 min I'm off to see my rheumy and will ask him. I never heard of the RF Igm test and will add that on to the list I have for tests that I would like him to perscribe. Will get back.

Also, FYI, there is a genetic marker to look for in the blood. HLA-DR4

I'm asking him to give me that test as well.

[jjean]

Hi everyone...keep following this thread because I need help and perhaps I can help you, too.  Yes, I know about the HLA-DR4 test, and guess what?   The Cleveland Clinic (where I go) does NOT offer it!  Can you believe that?  So, I asked my rheumatologist for a RAJI (circulating immune complexes test) instead, and he REFUSED.  So I asked the hematologist and he ordered it, although he said he could not interpret it, because that was not his speciality!    Well, I should know the results in about a week.  This test does not diagnose a certain disease, but if it is positive, it means that a there is an autoimmune response going on.  So tha woul help my rheumatologist whho does not seem to know what to look for.  Why can't patients ask for tests?  I noticed my doctors refuse!  (Lucky for me the hematologist agreed.)  Hope we all get a diagnosis soon...

[joycekatherine]

Hang in there!!  I have an appt w/Rheumy in September...can't wait to find out...something...anything!!!  The waiting is just awful isn't it??  That's why most of us get so excited, to finally have a DX!!  I have also had several doctors NOT listen or laugh my concerns away...had an appt with a new Endo today, for some Thyroid issues...he was wonderful!!  He was so pleased that I had everything (blood tests, meds, etc.) with me and I was very organized...he told me, with a big smile, that I had made his job much easier!!  I told him that he was the first doc to feel that way and to truly listen to what I had to say!!  Sometimes, you have to go to more than one doc, to find one that listens and really knows what is going on...if you are not happy with your Rheumy, find, or at least try another...doctors are NOT created equally...good luck and let us know how it goes for you!!  ;)

[Lori707]

Sorry I didn't respond earlier. I asked my Rheumy about the RF IgM Autoantibody Turbidimetry test and the difference between the RA Factor. He just blew it off. I hate that!  I can't believe, of all places like the Cleveland Clinic not to offer the HLA-DR4 test !!!  That's an important test. Ask if they can take a blood sample from you and send it to a lab that does it. I've had tests that had to go out of state.

[jjean]

My rheumatologist blew off my questions too...and he has refused to answer me after I made a complaint to the ombudsman, about not getting a diagnosis and I don't know what to do!

[kmil1999]

how did the HLA-DR4 test that your hematologist order come out?