Prevalence of people with RA whose tests show seronegative?
Hi Violetrose: I, for one, am seronegative. Depending on the source, estimates are as high as 40% of all RA patients are seronegative, although interestingly some previously negative people develop a positive R factor response after time. It's frustrating because there are some doctors that won't diagnose RA without this positive test. Hope this helps answer your question.
Hi! I am seronegative as well. My rheumatologist was slightly hesitant to list my diagnosis as RA at first, but after seeing my disease progression, did decide it was RA. Lucky me - LOL.
Hi Violetrose. As you can see from the comments, there are plenty of seronegative members of the community. Thought you might be interested in this article from one of our contributors on when blood test results don't tell the entire story: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/seronegative-ra-blood-tests-dont-tell-entire-story/. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
What is seronegative?
Hi LRoss. As this article on the topic from one of our contributors notes "It’s not uncommon for patients to display physical symptoms but not show any positive blood tests like rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, or markers for systemic inflammation like sedimentation rate and c-reactive protein. Yet, it is possible to receive a diagnosis of RA without positive blood tests." https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/seronegative-ra-blood-tests-dont-tell-entire-story/. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
