MediLytic RF Latex 50 Test

MediLytic RF Latex 50 Test 

“RF” stands for Rheumatoid Factor — an antibody produced by the immune system that can (mistakenly) target healthy immunoglobulin G (IgG). 

An RF test checks a blood sample to see if this rheumatoid factor is present 

A positive RF result can support a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or suggest other autoimmune diseases, but a positive alone does not guarantee disease, and a negative result does not exclude it. 

The “Latex” refers to tiny polystyrene latex beads (particles) coated with human IgG (gamma-globulin) used in the test.

In the test, serum from the patient is mixed with the latex reagent. If RF antibodies are present, they bind to the IgG on the latex — causing the beads to clump or “agglutinate.” Visible clumping = positive. 

It is typically a slide-agglutination test (or “slide test”), meaning the reaction happens on a glass slide and results are read visually under proper lighting, usually after a short incubation/rocking period (often around 2 minutes).

A positive result means RF is present at or above the kit’s sensitivity limit 

A negative result means RF was not detected (or below threshold). However — this does not rule out RA or other diseases. 

Because RF can be elevated in conditions other than RA (other autoimmune diseases, infections, even sometimes in healthy older people), a positive RF test is not definitive alone — doctors interpret it alongside symptoms, clinical exam, other lab tests.

For more precise quantification (i.e. actual titre or IU/mL), labs may run a semi-quantitative or quantitative method (e.g. serial dilutions, or turbidimetric assays) rather than rely on a simple slide test. 

Doctors may order an RF test (like MediLytic RF Latex) when:

A patient shows joint pain, stiffness, swelling — especially if symmetric and chronic — to help evaluate for rheumatoid arthritis.