Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test (Anti CCP Test)

Anti CCP Test Overview

The anti CCP test is used to check for cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in your blood. The anti cyclic citrullinated peptide test generally helps doctors to check for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other perceived threats from citrulline. The CCP antibodies are produced by the immune system and in certain cases they start attacking the healthy tissues in joints. 

Studies have shown that patients with CCP antibodies in their blood as found from their ACCP test are much more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than patients who don’t have these antibodies. As an autoimmune condition, it is important to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible, so this test is often crucial in the early screening and diagnosis process.

When is an Anti CCP Test Prescribed?

An anti CCP test is prescribed by doctors when they notice that you have certain symptoms that would be similar to rheumatoid arthritis. This involves swelling of joints, constant pain, problems with mobility, and joint stiffness. 

This test is not only used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, it is also used to identify if you have rheumatoid arthritis or not. And in some cases, doctors can also use this test to understand the disease course of rheumatoid arthritis in patients.

Components of an Anti CCP Test

The normal range for an anti CCP test is between 0 to 20 u/mL. The extent of variation within this range may differ slightly among various laboratories. Any result that falls in this range is considered a negative anti CCP test, and any result that is beyond 20 u/mL is considered a positive accp test.

A positive test result along with other corresponding risk factors and symptoms indicate rheumatoid arthritis for the patient. However, it should be noted that getting a negative test result doesn’t completely rule out rheumatoid arthritis if the symptoms are there.

Procedure And Prerequisites

As a blood test, the procedure for an ACCP test is to get your blood drawn from the veins in your arm by a doctor or nurse. The sample is then sent for testing. There are no special prerequisites required for this blood test.