CCP Antibody Test
This test looks for CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies in your blood.
This test looks for CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies in your blood. CCP antibodies, also called anti-CCP antibodies, are a type of antibody called autoantibodies. Antibodies and autoantibodies are proteins made by the immune system : Antibodies protect you from disease by fighting foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. Autoantibodies like CCP antibodies are abnormal proteins. Instead of protecting your body, they attack your body's healthy cells by mistake. CCP antibodies target healthy tissues in the joints. Joints are places in your body where two bones meet, such as your elbows, wrists, and knees. If CCP antibodies are found in your blood, it can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis . Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that gets worse over time. It causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and a loss of function in your joints. CCP antibodies are found in most people who have rheumatoid arthritis. They are almost never found in people who don't have the disease. Other names: Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, anticitrullinated peptide antibody, citrulline antibody, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, anti-CCP antibody, ACPA
Why is this test ordered? You may need this test if you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These include: Joint pain Joint stiffness, especially in the morning Joint swelling F atigue Low-grade fever You may also need this test if other tests couldn't confirm or rule out a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical Interpretation
If your CCP antibody results were positive, it means these antibodies were found in your blood. A negative result means no CCP antibodies were found. The meaning of these results may depend on the results of a rheumatoid factor (RF) test as well as a physical exam. If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and your results show: Positive CCP antibodies and positive RF , it means that you probably have rheumatoid arthritis. Positive CCP antibodies and negative RF , it could mean you are in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis or will develop it in the future. Negative CCP antibodies and negative RF , it means you are less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. Your provider may need to do more tests to help find out what is causing your symptoms. Sometimes, CCP antibodies may be found in other conditions such as: Other autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome or lupus Active tuberculosis (TB) Chronic lung disease To understand the results of a CCP antibody test, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and the results of other tests. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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Be sure to tell your provider about all medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. You may need to stop taking certain substances for 8 hours before your test.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.