title: Reference values of serum rheumatoid factor in coastal residents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to investigate the reference values of serum rheumatoid factor (RF) in coastal residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  We collected 1,762 serum samples from 20 - 69 year-old males who participated in the population-based Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey from September 2009 to December 2009. The values of serum RF were measured by immunoturbidimetry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The established normal reference value range of serum RF (< or = 18.90 IU/mL) in healthy adult males who live in coastal areas is lower than the current value that is extensively used (20 IU/mL). Age, ethnicity, and smoking specific reference values were calculated. Differences were found within groups, but no significant difference in drinking was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is suggested that every special region should establish respective normal reference values of serum RF in healthy individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
authors.forename: Xue
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Zhiping
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zengnan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mo
authors.forename: Liwen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Xiaobo
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Aihua
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002681:China; D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests / Q000592:standards*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D012016:Reference Values; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000097:blood*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
chemical_list: D012217:Rheumatoid Factor