What is Anti-CCP?
Citrullination is a process is a significant process in which posttranslational modification of amino-acid occurs but in some individuals, this process is identified as a danger for the body and the immune system starts making antibodies against it. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (Anti-CCP) are specific antibodies that act against the citrullinated proteins and their presence suggests that an individual is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation of the joints.
Anti-CCP is a vital test in the diagnosis and differentiation of rheumatoid arthritis from other forms of joint diseases and arthritis.
How is the Test Performed?
The Anti-CCP test is a simple blood test involving the collection of blood samples.
Preparation
- Fasting is generally not required for the test.
- Certain medications may influence the test results so inform your healthcare professional about any medications you are taking.
- Morning samples are preferred as they provide consistent results.
Collection
- An expert technician draws blood from the vein of the arm, procedure is called venipuncture.
- The sample is then placed in a chemically treated tube that prevents sample degradation.
Lab analysis
- The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory using advanced immunoassay techniques to detect the presence and concentration of anti-CCP antibodies.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
Your healthcare provider may suggest this test if you are experiencing symptoms of joint-related diseases or rheumatoid arthritis;
General symptoms
- Joint pain
- Stiffness in joints
- Low-grade fever
- Development of nodules
- Painful and hot joints especially in the wrist and hands
- Discomfort
- Fatigue
- Weight loss without any known reason
Symptoms in advanced rheumatoid arthritis
- Joint deformity
- Limited movement
- Symptoms affecting other organs like eyes, lungs, or heart
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
Anti-CCP test is usually reported as negative or positive but some laboratories may deliver the result in a generally accepted reference range.
- Negative – Less than 20 EU/ml
- Weakly Positive – 20 to 39 EU/ml
- Moderately Positive – 40 to 59 EU/ml
- Strongly Positive – More than 59 EU/ml
**The above-mentioned reference range are general guidelines only and may vary according to the laboratory method used. Always consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and interpretation of the results.**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
A positive Anti-CCP test indicates that the person is affected with rheumatoid arthritis, a more positive result suggests that the advanced form of rheumatoid arthritis is present in a person and is causing joint damage over time.
A negative Anti-CCP test does not rule out the chances of the presence of rheumatoid arthritis and the healthcare provider may recommend additional tests including rheumatoid factor tests or imaging studies for the confirmation of the presence of the disease.
A positive Anti-CCP test is primarily associated with rheumatoid arthritis but occasionally it might be associated with
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Chronic infections
- Inflammatory diseases
Your doctor may recommend medications to treat the disease along with further testing and lifestyle modifications to improve the health of the patient. The healthcare provider also ensures the proper monitoring of the patient’s health condition for improved and better results.
