CCP

Other names: Anti-CCP; Anti-Citrulline Antibody; Citrulline Antibody; Anti-Ayclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody

The CCP test is used to detect anti-citrulline antibodies within the bloodstream. Citrulline is an amino acid, which is formed when there is a change to the amino acid, arginine. It is believed that the alteration of arginine to citrulline might be associated with the inflammatory development seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Why is the test used?

The test is primarily used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease which affects the joints. The test is usually ordered when a patient has symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including swelling, stiffness and symmetrical joint pain. The doctor may examine the results alongside the results of an RF test, which is used to test for autoantibodies.

How is the test done?

The test is done by collecting and analysing a sample of blood. A needle is inserted into a vein in the arm (usually on the inside of the elbow) and the blood is collected in a syringe. Once the sample has been collected, it will be bottled and labelled with the patient’s name and then sent away to the laboratory for analysis.

What do the test results show?

The results of the CCP test are not sufficient evidence to diagnose somebody with rheumatoid arthritis; however, the test is a useful diagnostic tool for doctors. If you tests positive for CCP and RF it is probable that they have rheumatoid arthritis. If you test negative for CCP and positive for RF, this may indicate that the patient has a different type of anti-inflammatory condition and the doctor will base their diagnosis on the patient’s symptoms. If the patient tests negative for both CCP and RF it is unlikely that they have got rheumatoid arthritis.

The CCP test is still relatively new and research is monitoring the efficacy of the test; however, initial results are positive.

Specific Blood Tests



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