Anti-CCP Antibody

Also known as Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Anti-CCP Antibody

What is Anti-CCP Antibody?

This test looks for anti cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in the blood, which are a type of autoantibodies that can cause disease by attacking the body's healthy cells. If CCP antibodies are found in your blood, it can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This test is advised if you show symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis-like joint pain, low-grade fever, joint swelling, and fatigue.

CCP antibodies are found in more than 75% of people who have rheumatoid arthritis. As rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages, other tests such as X-ray and C reactive protein tests are also recommended.

What is Anti-CCP Antibody used for?

To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis
To differentiate rheumatoid arthritis from other arthritis
To evaluate the prognosis of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Interpreting Anti-CCP Antibody results

Interpretations

Anti CCP antibody test positivity indicates Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anti-CCP Antibody

Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-CCP Antibody

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Citrulline?

During inflammation, arginine amino acid residues can be enzymatically converted into citrulline residues in proteins, such as vimentin, by a process called citrullination. Its production occurs during the metabolism of the amino acid arginine. It will change the structure of the protein which can trigger an immune response that produces autoantibodies against proteins in the joints.

Q. What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease which is chronic (from a long time). It causes inflammation, stiffness, pain and disastrous changes in joints of the body. It can occur at any age but the usual age is after 40 years. As compared to men, women are more affected. It can progress slow or fast. But, if untreated can cause disability of the joints.

Q. What are other tests advised for rheumatoid arthritis?

Apart from anti CCP antibody test, rheumatoid factor (RF) test, joint X rays, and blood tests are advised. If a patient has positive anti CCP antibody test as well as RF test it indicates that the patient has rheumatoid arthritis. If the patient has a positive anti CCP antibody test but negative RF test it means that the patient is likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis in the future. If anti CCP antibody test is negative but RF test is positive, it can indicate that the patient should be analyzed for other inflammatory conditions as well.

Q. Is Anti CCP antibody test screening test for Rheumatoid arthritis?

No, the screening test for rheumatoid arthritis is the rheumatoid factor. But, once the RF is positive, anti CCP antibody test should be done to differentiate rheumatoid arthritis from other arthritis.

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