Rheumatoid Factor (RF) IgM is an autoantibody directed against the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RF IgM contributes to immune complex formation, which can deposit in joints and tissues, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and the characteristic symptoms of RA. While RF IgM is most strongly linked to RA, it can also be detected in other autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and occasionally in healthy individuals, making its measurement an important, but not definitive, biomarker of autoimmunity.
The RF IgM ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) enables sensitive and specific quantification of these autoantibodies in serum or plasma. In research settings, RF IgM ELISAs are used to study the immunopathology of rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune conditions, evaluate disease progression, and investigate the mechanisms driving autoantibody production. This tool also supports preclinical studies of potential therapeutics aimed at modulating autoimmune responses or preventing joint damage.
Clinically, RF IgM measurement is used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels can help support the diagnosis of RA in patients with compatible clinical symptoms, although it is typically used alongside other biomarkers such as anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and imaging studies. Additionally, monitoring RF IgM levels over time can assist clinicians in assessing disease activity, predicting disease severity, and evaluating the effectiveness of immunomodulatory therapies.
This product is manufactured in Germany by Medipan GmbH.
| Size | 1 x 96 Well |
| Sensitivity | 1U/mL |
| Dynamic Range | 1-300 U/mL |
| Incubation Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Sample Type | serum, plasma |
| Storage | 2-8°C |
| Alternative Names | RF, IgM RF, Rheumatoid Antibody, and Immunoglobulin M Rheumatoid Factor. |
