Medichecks Inflammation & autoimmunity

Rheumatoid Factor Blood Test

Measures rheumatoid factor, an antibody often raised in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Suited to people with joint pain, stiffness or swelling.

  • Doctor reviewed
Sample
Blood
Collection
In-store clinic or home nurse visit or venous draw at clinic
Results in
3 days
Biomarkers
1
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Tests for
  • Rheumatoid Factor Turbidimetry

Test specifications

Provider
Medichecks
Sample type
blood
Collection method
in-store clinic or home nurse visit or venous draw at clinic
Turnaround time
3 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Medichecks.

Autoimmunity

  • Rheumatoid Factor Turbidimetry

About this test

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody that is often raised in rheumatoid arthritis, though it can also appear in other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, so a result on its own does not confirm what's causing your symptoms. This test is commonly used by people experiencing joint pain, stiffness or swelling who want to check this specific marker.

Among the 26 similarly sized inflammation tests we track, this one is priced at £59, around a third below the £89 median. There's no named group of directly comparable rheumatoid factor tests on the site, so this comparison is against the broader category rather than like-for-like peers.

The test scores well on value given how it sits against the category median. It scores lower on collection convenience because it needs a venous draw at a clinic, though a home nurse visit is available as an alternative. Clinical depth is judged on a single-marker basis, and as with all Medichecks tests, your result comes with a doctor's comment.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you have joint symptoms such as pain, stiffness or swelling and want to check your rheumatoid factor level specifically. If your joint symptoms are persistent, it's worth seeing a GP as well as taking this test, since a single blood marker won't give the full clinical picture. It's also a reasonably priced option relative to similarly sized inflammation tests we track.

The sheet doesn't identify a directly comparable rheumatoid factor test from another provider, so there's no specific cheaper or deeper alternative to point to here.

How it works

This is a blood test. Sample collection is via a venous draw at a Medichecks clinic, or you can book a home nurse visit if you'd rather not travel in; there's no finger-prick or at-home option for this test. After your sample reaches the lab, it's processed by one of Medichecks' partner labs, and your result is reviewed by a doctor. Turnaround is around 3 days.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Priced around a third below the £89 median for similarly sized inflammation tests.
  • You can opt for a home nurse visit instead of travelling to a clinic.
  • Comes with a doctor's comment on what your result means.

Cons

  • No at-home finger-prick option; needs a venous draw.
  • Only measures one marker, so it won't distinguish between different causes of joint symptoms.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Below-median priced single-marker rheumatoid factor test
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

Checking rheumatoid factor costs £59 here, around a third below the £89 median for similarly sized inflammation tests we track. It only covers the one marker, and requires a clinic or home nurse blood draw rather than an at-home kit.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 8.0/10

    The listing publishes a short description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 6.4/10

    1 biomarkers, placing it in the 32nd percentile of inflammation tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 9.0/10

    A blood sample taken at home by a visiting nurse or phlebotomist; with a venous or clinic option as well; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 3 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 7.0/10

    Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 9.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.5 from 2,477 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 25+ years.

  • Value for money 8.2/10

    £59.00 against a median of £89.00 for the 26 similarly sized inflammation tests we track (-34%).

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

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