ANTI CITRULLINATED C PEPTIDE-ANTI CCP

The Anti-CCP Antibody Test is a specialized blood test performed at Cadabam’s Diagnostics to detect specific autoantibodies known as anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. These antibodies are produced when the immune system targets the body’s own proteins that have undergone citrullination. 

This test is highly specific for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Unlike the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test, which can yield positive results in other conditions, Anti-CCP is more specific to RA. It also aids in early diagnosis, helping clinicians intervene early to slow disease progression and reduce joint damage. 

Citrullination is a process where the amino acid arginine is converted into citrulline. In RA, this process can lead to an immune response, resulting in inflammation and joint damage. Detecting Anti-CCP antibodies provides a strong indication of RA. 

The test quantifies the level of Anti-CCP antibodies, which are a marker of autoimmune activity in RA. In RA, the immune system targets citrullinated proteins in the joints, producing these antibodies and leading to inflammation and damage. 

Results are usually reported as: 

• Quantitative: Numerical value in U/mL or EU/mL. 
• Qualitative: Positive or Negative based on laboratory-defined thresholds. 

These measurements help assess the likelihood of RA and, in some cases, potential severity. 

Your doctor may recommend this test if: 

• You show signs of inflammatory arthritis (joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue). 
• It is part of a diagnostic workup for RA (often with RF, CRP, ESR). 
• There is a need to differentiate between types of arthritis. 
• Prognostic assessment is required to predict disease severity. 

Risks 

Risks are minimal and related to the blood draw: 

• Mild pain or bruising at the puncture site. 
• Light-headedness or fainting. 
• Rare infection at the puncture site. 

All procedures at Cadabam’s Diagnostics are performed under sterile conditions. 

Limitations 

• Not definitive on its own; must be interpreted with other clinical findings. 
• Negative results do not fully rule out RA. 
• Rare false positives in other autoimmune diseases. 
• Results can vary between labs. 

• Your Result: Numerical value or qualitative result. 
• Reference Range: Defined by the lab (e.g., < 20.0 U/mL). 
• Units: Typically, U/mL or EU/mL. 

Interpretation depends on whether your result falls below or above the threshold. 

You may need this test if: 

• You have persistent joint issues. 
• You are being evaluated for RA. 
• You have a positive RF test. 
• You have a family history of RA and early symptoms.

• High specificity for RA. 
• Early detection before joint damage occurs. 
• Prognostic value for disease severity. 
• Helps in differentiating RA from other arthritic conditions. 
• Improves diagnostic confidence when used with other tests. 

Primarily used for diagnosing: 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) 

May also be positive in: 

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) 
• Sjogren’s Syndrome 
• Psoriatic Arthritis 
• Rarely in healthy individuals 

• No fasting required unless instructed otherwise for accompanying tests. 
• Bring doctor’s prescription or request form. 
• Inform staff if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners. 

Test Procedure 

• Blood is drawn from a vein by a trained phlebotomist. 
• Standard safety and hygiene procedures are followed. 

Interpreting Your Results 

Negative Result 

• Below the lab’s cut-off range. 
• RA less likely but not ruled out completely. 

Positive Result 

• Above the cut-off. 
• Strongly suggests RA, especially with symptoms. 
• High levels may indicate more severe disease.