Anti-CCP Antibody
Understanding Anti-CCP Antibody
What is Anti-CCP Antibody?
The Anti-CCP Antibody test helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tells it apart from other types of arthritis. It looks for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are linked to autoimmune diseases like RA and are often present in the early stages.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune (a condition in which the body's natural defense system mistakenly attacks normal/healthy cells) and an inflammatory condition that causes inflammation (painful swelling) of the joints. In addition to the joints, RA sometimes also affects other body parts, including skin, eyes, lungs, or heart.
The Anti-CCP Antibody test checks for the presence and level of Anti-CCP antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to certain proteins found in the joints in individuals with RA. These antibodies are specific to RA and their presence can be detected even before the symptoms start.
Studies suggets that more than 75% of people with RA test positive for Anti-CCP antibodies. This test helps doctors identify RA early and distinguish it from similar conditions like psoriatic arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This test is more specific than other tests like the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test.
Doctors may suggest this test if you have joint pain, swelling, warmth, morning stiffness, or lumps under the skin. A positive result means these antibodies are in your blood, which makes RA more likely. A negative result does not rule out RA but may mean there’s a lower chance.
No special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink normally. Results may vary based on your age, gender, health, and other factors. Share your full medical history with your doctor to help them better understand your condition and make a suitable treatment plan, including diet, exercise, or medicines.
What is Anti-CCP Antibody used for?
The Anti-CCP Antibody test is done:
- To detect rheumatoid arthritis, understand how serious it is, and how it might progress.
- If you have joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or other signs of arthritis.
- To distinguish RA from other types of arthritis or autoimmune diseases.
- To track the progress of RA in people already diagnosed.
What does Anti-CCP Antibody measure?
The Anti-CCP Antibody test measures antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP) in the blood. These antibodies are called Anti-CCP antibodies. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body changes a protein building block called arginine into citrulline. The immune system may see these as threats and make antibodies against them. Anti-CCP antibodies are early markers of RA. They can cause long-term joint inflammation and damage. Their presence helps detect RA early, understand how it may progress, and plan proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-CCP Antibody
Q. Why is the Anti-CCP Antibody test done?
Q. Is fasting needed for the Anti-CCP Antibody test?
Q. What causes high CCP antibodies?
Q. What does a positive anti-CCP test result mean?
Q. What other tests can be advised for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?
Q. What factors can affect the levels of anti-CCP antibodies?
Q. What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Q. Is rheumatoid arthritis curable?
Book a Anti-CCP Antibody test at home near me





Other tests
