Additional Testing Requirements

An alternative or complementary assay to rheumatoid factor (RF) that has demonstrated utility in the diagnosis and assessment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is CCP / Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies, IgG, Serum. Utilization of both tests can provide clinical value in the diagnosis of RA. RF is not specific and may be present in other inflammatory rheumatic diseases and nonrheumatic diseases as well as in nonaffected individuals, especially in those 60 years of age or older.

Specimen Required

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.