Anti-CCP Antibody (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody) Test

• CCP antibody test aids in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in early stages when symptoms may not be definitive.
• Higher levels of CCP antibodies may indicate a more severe and progressive form of RA, helping in prognosis and treatment planning.
• Helps differentiate RA from other autoimmune conditions that may present similar symptoms.
• Early detection through CCP antibody testing allows for prompt initiation of treatment, potentially slowing down disease progression and minimizing joint damage.
• Serial CCP antibody testing can help monitor disease activity and treatment response in patients with RA.

This test measures the presence of CCP antibodies in the blood of patients with or estimated to have rheumatoid arthritis.

During CCP antibody test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

20 units/ml is considered the normal level of CCP antibodies. Test results above 20 units/ml are considered to be positive.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A positive CCP antibody test is highly specific for RA, meaning it's more likely to indicate RA than other conditions. If you have symptoms of RA like joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, a positive test result strengthens the possibility of RA.

• Early RA or Increased Risk: A positive CCP test result, especially with negative rheumatoid factor (another blood test for RA), might suggest you're in the early stages of RA or have an increased risk of developing it in the future.

• Other Conditions: While less common, positive CCP tests can occur with other inflammatory diseases like lupus or Sjogren's syndrome.

The CPP antibody test can also come positive in the case of the following diseases:

• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic liver disease
• SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Seronegative arthritis
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Systemic sclerosis

A blood sample is taken for the test, just like other tests. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have soreness at the site of blood collection, however, there is nothing inherently dangerous about the test itself.

In addition to the CPP antibody test, the doctor may suggest the following tests as sometimes it’s difficult to detect the disease in its early stages:

• RF test
• X-ray of joints
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• C-reactive protein
• Antinuclear antibody
• Synovial fluid analysis

It is the most common form of arthritis in which the protective cartilage that surrounds the joints wears down or changes in structure.

Connective tissue disorders are a type of autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, microscopic polyangiitis, Marfan syndrome, Churg-Strauss syndrome, polymyositis/dermatomyositis and Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

It’s a group of arthritis that shows similar symptoms to rheumatoid arthritis such as joint pains, swelling, and tenderness in the joints along with morning stiffness that lasts for almost an hour.

• CCP Antibody
• Anti-Citrulline Antibody
• Citrulline Antibody
• Anti-CCP Test
• ACPA
• Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide
• Citrullinated Antibody

People with the following symptoms should do the CCP Antibody Serum Test:

• Low-grade fever
• Joint, back, or muscle pain
• Stiffness of the joints, especially in the morning
• Fatigue
• Joint swelling, tenderness, or weakness
• Malaise
• Lumps or redness of the skin
• Bump on fingers
• Sensation of pins and needles
• Dry mouth
• Flare
• Physical deformity
• Swelling of hands

The anti-CCP test is a blood test that detects and measures levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs) in the blood, which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The anti-CCP blood test helps to diagnose RA, assess severity, and predict progression.

The anti-CCP test is important for an early detection of rheumatoid arthritis, even before symptoms are visible. It differentiates RA from other arthritis types, assesses severity, guides treatment, and improves outcomes by enabling early intervention.

A high level of CCP antibodies is usually indicated by values greater than 60 EU/mL. This strongly positive anti-CCP test result is highly predictive of rheumatoid arthritis and suggests a higher risk of developing a more severe and progressive form of the disease.

The benefits of anti-CCP test includes early detection of RA, differentiating it from other types of arthritis, assessment disease severity and progression, guidance for treatment planning, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and potential identification of at-risk individuals before symptom onset.

No, fasting is not required before the anti-CCP blood test. patients should make sure to inform their healthcare provider about any medications, herbs, vitamins, or supplements they are taking.

Elevated levels of CCP antibodies detected by the anti-CCP test are mainly linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), indicating a more severe or an aggressive form of disease. In rare cases, elevated anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide levels can be seen in other autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriatic arthritis, but they are most strongly linked to RA.

It’s not possible to lower anti-CCP levels solely through lifestyle changes. Managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including treatment options such as medications, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring by a healthcare provider, which are helpful in managing the condition and may lower antibody levels over time.

Yes, home sample collection is available for the anti-CCP test. Many diagnostic labs, including Metropolis Healthcare, provides convenient home collection services. This allows patients to have their blood samples taken at home without needing to visit a clinic, making it easier to get tested for rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions.

Usually, results for the anti-CCP blood test are ready within 6 hours, though this can vary based on when the sample is collected and processed.