Positive rheumatoid factor ≠ having rheumatoid disease

  The rheumatoid factor is seen in 70% of patients with rheumatoid guan. Its titer is directly proportional to the activity and severity of rheumatoid disease.  However, rheumatoid factor is not a specific antibody for rheumatoid disease, and positive rheumatoid factor is also seen in chronic infections (hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc.), other connective tissue diseases, and normal elderly people.