Rheumatoid factor (RF) IgA is an autoantibody directed against the Fc portion of IgG antibodies, forming immune complexes that contribute to chronic inflammation. While RF is most commonly measured as IgM, the IgA isotype has particular relevance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially in patients with more severe disease or extra-articular manifestations. RF IgA is often associated with more aggressive joint damage, systemic complications, and poorer prognosis compared with RF IgM, reflecting its role in perpetuating immune complex–mediated inflammation.
In the clinical setting, RF IgA testing complements RF IgM and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies for diagnosing RA. Its presence supports the autoimmune etiology of arthritis, particularly in seropositive RA, and helps identify patients at risk for erosive disease. RF IgA may also be elevated in other autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and liver disorders, so results are interpreted in the context of clinical presentation and other serologic markers.
In research, RF IgA serves as a biomarker for studying disease severity, immune complex formation, and systemic inflammation in RA. It is used in longitudinal studies to track disease progression, treatment response, and extra-articular involvement. Additionally, RF IgA is explored in mechanistic studies on the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis, helping to understand how different RF isotypes contribute to joint destruction and systemic manifestations in RA.
This product is manufactured in Germany by Medipan GmbH.
| Size | 1 x 96 Well |
| Sensitivity | 1 U/mL |
| Dynamic Range | 1-300 U/mL |
| Incubation Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Sample Type | serum, plasma |
| Storage | 2-8°C |
| Alternative Names | Rheumatoid factor IgA, RF IgA antibodies, IgA rheumatoid factor, rheumatoid autoantibodies IgA, and RF-A |
