A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOME RECENT SEROLOGIC TESTS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

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Abstract
Approximately 1000 serum specimens were examined for the presence of "rheumatoid factor" by the Ziff and Svartz-Schlossmann modifications of the sensitized sheep cell agglutination reaction, the latex fixation and bentonite flocculation tests. These procedures were considered to provide essentially similar information although they varied somewhat with respect to sensitivity and specificity. The prevalence of positive results in patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis ranged from 65 to 81%. Tests were positive in up to 94% of those with subcutaneous nodules. Occasional positive results were observed in other disease states. These serologic techniques should not be regarded as specific diagnostic tests. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is still based on careful consideration of accepted clinical criteria.