Serum Anti-CCP

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To help in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and differentiate it from other types of arthritis; sometimes to help evaluate the prognosis of a patient with RA

When this test is required

CCP can be requested along with an RF test when a patient has symptoms suggestive of RA, or has been diagnosed with an undifferentiated polyarthritis. In many cases, it may be used as a follow-up test to a negative RF test when clinical signs, such as symmetrical joint pain and inflammation, lead the doctor to suspect RA.

What the Test Detects

The cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (CCP) test detects the presence of anti-citrulline antibodies in the blood. Citrulline is an unusual amino acid (protein building block), which is created when the amino acid arginine is altered. There is speculation that conversion of arginine to citrulline resulting in “citrullinated” proteins in the lining of joints, may be the target of anti-CCP antibodies in RA, which may contribute to inflammatory process in RA.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

None

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm

Additional Notes

Anti-CCP appears to be the strongest serological predictor for RA development among symptomatic at-risk patients. It is also worth noting that at present, there is simply no convincing evidence that repeated autoantibody assessments provide any useful clinical information about disease progression among these symptomatic at-risk patients.

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