Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

How It Is Done

The health professional drawing blood will:

  • Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
  • Clean the needle site with alcohol.
  • Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
  • Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
  • Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
  • Apply a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
  • Apply pressure to the site and then a bandage.
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated:
June 4, 2012
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Topic Contents
Test Overview
Why It Is Done
How To Prepare
How It Is Done
How It Feels
Risks
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What Affects the Test
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