CCP Antibody Test
Reviewed
Also called: Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, Anti-CCP antibody, Anticitrullinated peptide antibody, Citrulline antibody, Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, ACPA
This test looks for CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies in your blood. CCP antibodies are autoantibodies that attack healthy joint tissues. Their presence can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Specimen: Blood
Why this test may be ordered
- To help diagnose or rule out rheumatoid arthritis
- If you have symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, fatigue, or low-grade fever
- When other tests could not confirm or rule out rheumatoid arthritis
Preparation and collection
Tell your provider about all medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. You may need to stop taking certain substances for 8 hours before your test.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Your results will be reported as positive (CCP antibodies found) or negative (no CCP antibodies found). Your provider will interpret these results along with your symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and other test results.
- Positive CCP antibodies and positive RF (rheumatoid factor): You probably have rheumatoid arthritis. Limitation: This result is not a definitive diagnosis on its own; your provider will consider your symptoms and other findings. Next step: Your provider will discuss the diagnosis and appropriate management.
- Positive CCP antibodies and negative RF: You may be in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis or may develop it in the future. Limitation: This result does not confirm rheumatoid arthritis; further evaluation is needed. Next step: Your provider may recommend additional monitoring or tests.
- Negative CCP antibodies and negative RF: You are less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. Limitation: This result does not rule out all causes of your symptoms; other conditions may be present. Next step: Your provider may need to do more tests to find out what is causing your symptoms.
- CCP antibodies are found in most people with rheumatoid arthritis but are almost never found in people without the disease.
- Sometimes CCP antibodies may be found in other conditions such as other autoimmune disorders (e.g., Sjogren's syndrome or lupus), active tuberculosis, or chronic lung disease.
- Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages.
- Results must be interpreted by your provider along with your symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and other test results.
What to do next
Your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and the results of other tests to understand the results of a CCP antibody test. Additional tests may include x-rays of your joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), synovial fluid analysis, C-reactive protein, or antinuclear antibody tests.
- What do my CCP antibody test results mean in combination with my symptoms and other tests?
- Do I need any additional tests to confirm or rule out rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are the next steps if my results suggest rheumatoid arthritis?
- How will my symptoms be managed while we wait for more information?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or treatments I should consider?