Anti Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (Anti CCP) Test

The Anti-CCP antibody test is a blood test that ascertains the presence of antibodies directed against the cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) in the body. The CCP antibodies are present in the blood of people with rheumatoid arthritis. The Anti-CCP antibody test is highly accurate and can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis at an early stage, sometimes even years before the development of any signs or symptoms.

Anti-CCP antibodies are a type of autoantibody. To understand what autoantibodies are, knowing antibodies is essential. Antibodies protect the human body from different diseases. They do that by fighting external forces like bacteria and viruses. Autoantibodies are made by our immune system and are proteins in nature. Autoantibodies can cause disease by attacking the healthy cells of the body by mistake.

The CCP antibodies attack the healthy tissues in the joints. If CCP antibodies are present in the blood, it can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness, pain and swelling in the joints. More than 75% of people with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for CCP antibodies.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects 0.92% of the adult population in India. The condition is more common in females than males. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent permanent disability. A positive Anti-CCP antibody test results in the diagnosis of the disease at an early stage and can predict its severity.

Other names for the Anti-CCP antibody test

• ACPA
• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide
• Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody
• Anti Citrullinated peptide antibody
• Citrulline antibody

What does the test detect/measure, and who is this prescribed for?

The Anti-CCP antibody test procedure detects the presence of antibodies against CCP in the body. CCP stands for cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP). These antibodies are in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Anti-CCP antibody test can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis at an early stage. It may also detect the disease years before the presence of any clinical signs or symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. It affects the lining of the joints causing stiffness and painful swelling.

Some early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

• Fatigue
• Morning stiffness in the small joints of hands and feet
• Joint pain
• Swelling (painful, warm, swollen joints generally affecting fingers, wrists, ankles and knees)
• Weakness
• Muscle ache
• Loss of appetite

People experiencing any of the above symptoms are prescribed the Anti-CCP antibody test. Also, those with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis may be asked to perform the test.

It commonly affects people in the 40 to 60 years, age group. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men. Hence, women above 40 years of age experiencing these symptoms are advised to undergo this test.

Anti-CCP antibody test is a simple blood test performed by drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in the forearm.

Test preparation

The Anti-CCP antibody test is a simple blood test. A small amount of blood sample is collected from the vein of the left or right forearm. This test does not require any preparation. However, it is advised to inform your doctor of all the ongoing prescription medicines, vitamins and other supplements before taking the test.

After taking the test, there are no restrictions on activities such as driving, sports or work.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The Anti-CCP antibody test identifies cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in the blood. These antibodies produced by the immune system are of a specific type known as an autoantibody.

Most antibodies help the body fight diseases by identifying and destroying foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. However, autoantibodies can act unusually and may target and attack the body’s healthy cells and tissues.

Most patients having rheumatoid arthritis test positive for CCP antibodies. Although less common, CCP antibodies may be present in other autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome and Lupus erythematosus. CCP antibodies can also be positive in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) and chronic lung disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The normal values, parameters, and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

A negative result indicates that an insignificant amount of antibodies were found in the blood.

The meaning of the Anti-CCP antibody test 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 if your results show:

• Positive CCP antibodies and positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF) - It means that you have rheumatoid arthritis.
• Positive CCP antibodies and negative RF - It means you are in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis or may develop it in the future.
• Negative CCP antibodies and negative RF - It means you are less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis.

The expert may need to conduct more tests to find out what is causing your symptoms.