Rheumatoid Factor assay

Description

Intended Use

For the quantitative in vitro determination of Rheumatoid factor in serum. This product is suitable for automated, semi-automated and manual use.

Clinical Significance

This test system is intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
The agglutination reaction between antibody coated red blood cells and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) sera was first demonstrated by Waaler and Rose in 1940. The reaction has since been shown to be caused by certain factors in the RA sera. These Rheumatoid Factors (RF) are a heterogeneous group of high molecular weight auto antibodies directed against the body?s own immunoglobulins. They are produced by plasma cells present at sites of tissue injury. The initiating antigen is thought to be one or more viruses or viral antigens that persist in the joint tissues. Research has shown that both environmental and genetic factors can affect the production of RF with various biological properties. RF have also been observed in the serum of patients with lupus erythematosus, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, syphilis and various other conditions but the RF titre is much lower than in RA. Between 60 and 80% of patients with active Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) possess this abnormal protein in their blood and joint fluid, and its detection is therefore of value in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.