Any one familiar with blood tests and there meaning?

[ploggin]

I recently had a RF blood test taken which was high.  I had a whole pile of various blood tests done before, so I wanted to check and see if this one had been taken.  I don't see it as having been done, but an ANA was done.  From what I can tell, these two tests would look for similar things.

Is it possible for the ANA to be negative or within normal limits, while the RF is high?  I think they both look for autoimmune factors if I'm not mistaken.

[Shebah]

My RF is slightly elevated and my ANA is normal, so it is possible. With that said, I have joint pain and what the doc says is IBD.

[PlateletGal]

Just a guess but I'm sure it is possible to have arthritis or Sjogren's with a negative ANA titer, especially if you were recently diagnosed. The ANA titer also keeps track of your disease progress.

[myproblem]

RF is Rheumatiod Factor, and usually indicates Rheumatoid Arthritis which is an autoimmune disease. ANA tests for the possibility of other autoimune diseases, but of itself indicates nothing. Up to 1/3 of the healthy population may have elevated ANA, and some people with autoimmune diseases do not. This is especially true early in the course of the disease. Did they check your SED-rate too? This may also be listed as ESR. Because many autoimmune diseases have overlapping symptoms, and affect multiple body systems, it is possible to have a mixed diagnosis, or be diagnosed with more than one autoimmune disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, or Scleroderma and Sjogren's. When do you see the rheumatologist? Let us know what you find out.

[ploggin]

Not sure on the sed rate, I think they checked though.

My rheumatologist appointment is not till mid December so I won't likely know any more about the blood test and if it means anything until then.

One thing I have noticed though is a lot of achiness in my neck and little bumps which periodically form inside my lower lip.  This amongst tons of other varying symptoms.  Possibly salivary gland issues??