A Rheumatoid-like Factor in Patients with Tissue Damage

Abstract

A slide-screening test for rheumatoid arthritis, using bentonite particles coated with bovine gamma globulin, is described. This test is less specific than a commercial latex-fixation slide test, although both give false positive reactions when compared with the sheep cell agglutination test. Clinical and laboratory investigations suggest that these false positive reactions are due to rheumatoid-like factors released after non-specific tissue damage. The mechanism of these reactions and their significance in relation to auto-immune phenomena are discussed.