Hi Shelly,

My medical records are a mess. My sed. rate is elevated though. My R-factor is just slightly elevated as well. I have consulted with 3 R/A MD's because of the R factor. my ANA is neg-. All 3 said no Rheumatoid arthritis in my case. I have had alot of blood work done. I also test neg- for Hepatitis.

PCR Testing is DNA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction

Here is short animation on it.

http://www.thehealthnews.org/news/06/08/02/pcr.html
I think it could be ruled out for some bacteria, some viral which maybe could possiably change the DNA as well. But I don't know that for sure. I have no medical background.
Hugs, Roz