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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had the Anti-RA33 IgM (ELFA) lab done?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

I had the Anti-RA33 IgM (ELFA) lab done through avise and it was considered negative because it was less than 40 ul/ml. It was 23.8 ul/ml. I am still being treated for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis since it is helping. Has it been negative for anyone and then become positive?

Thank you.

June 17
 · 
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myRAteam

That's a really thoughtful question, and it's great that treatment is helping even with a negative result!

The Anti-RA33 test is one of several antibody markers that can be used alongside other tests to help diagnose RA. With seronegative RA, antibody tests like this one come back negative or below detectable thresholds — Show Full Answer

That's a really thoughtful question, and it's great that treatment is helping even with a negative result!

The Anti-RA33 test is one of several antibody markers that can be used alongside other tests to help diagnose RA. With seronegative RA, antibody tests like this one come back negative or below detectable thresholds — which is exactly what happened here.

It's worth knowing that in some cases, people initially diagnosed with seronegative RA can later develop detectable antibodies over time. This is sometimes called "converting" from seronegative to seropositive. A myRAteam member shared a similar experience, noting that their RA didn't show up in blood tests for years before antibodies eventually became detectable. The most important takeaway here is that a negative antibody test doesn't mean RA isn't present or that treatment isn't warranted. Diagnosis and treatment decisions for seronegative RA are based on:

- Physical symptoms and examination
- Imaging results (like X-rays or ultrasound)
- Inflammation markers like CRP and ESR
- How well the body responds to treatment

Since treatment is currently helping, that's a really positive sign. It would be worth discussing with a rheumatologist whether periodic retesting makes sense to monitor for any changes in antibody levels over time.

June 17
A myRAteam Member

Thank you for your response. My doctor got back to me and said even though my antibodies are negative I can still have seronegative RA and they generally don't retest the antibodies. I am happy that she will continue to treat me for seronegative RA as the treatment is helping.

June 17
A myRAteam Member

I have been diagnosed Seronegative RA, mixed connective tissue disease, sjogrens and fibromyalgia. Those are just the autoimmune conditions I have. I have quite a few chronic illnesses. I have wondered in the past, is this RA or some other autoimmune condition. However when I asked my doctor. He said if it acts like a duck and walks like a duck it's a duck. He's very good at watching my levels. But some on here have found that the don't have RA it's something else. Just be your own advocate and if it you have questions don't hesitate to ask your rheumatologist.

June 17

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