Laboratory Medicine

Test Directory / Rheumatoid Factor IgM

Rheumatoid Factor IgM

Brown clotted serum, gel barrier

Test	Rheumatoid Factor IgM
Common Abbreviations	RF
Profile	N/A
Clinical Indication	Is recommended to test in patients with suspected Rheumatoid arthritis. Please note; should not be used to monitor disease. Please see www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG79/Chapter/recommendations for further information
Specimen Type	Blood
Sample Type	Serum/ fluid asparate also accepted
Minimum Volume	5 ml
Special Precautions	No special requirements
Stability	14 days
Turnaround Time	7 days
Laboratory	Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull HU3 2JZ
Reference Interval	See Hull website
Limitations	The assay should not be performed on grossly haemolysed or grossly lipaemic samples. Only serum samples will be accepted

Update for visitors

Visiting restrictions are in place at our hospitals to stop the spread of norovirus. These restrictions will be in place until further notice.

The following wards are closed to visitors:

York Hospital: Ward 29 and Ward 37.

There are four exceptions only to the restrictions. These are:

For patients who are receiving end of life care

Paediatric patients (babies and children)

Maternity care

The family carers of those with dementia

We understand these restrictions can be difficult when a loved one is unwell. The restrictions will be reviewed daily and lifted as soon as it is safe. Thank you for your understanding as we try to reduce the spread of norovirus in our hospitals.