What Is the CCP Antibody Test For?
Doctors may order a cyclic citrullinated peptide CCP antibody test and other exams to confirm or rule out a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis.
A positive CCP antibody test doesn’t necessarily mean you have RA. However, it can be an important marker, especially if you also test positive for rheumatoid factor (RF).
What is a CCP antibody test?
A CCP antibody test is a diagnostic blood test that helps doctors confirm or rule out RA. It involves drawing a blood sample from a vein in your arm with a small needle, which experts then analyze in a laboratory.
You may feel a slight sting at the needle site during the test, but it typically isn’t painful. You don’t need to fast before your test, and no particular preparation is necessary.
When is a CCP antibody test used?
A doctor may order the CCP antibody test when another RA blood test is positive or when your symptoms may show RA.
The test measures levels of CCP antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are also called anti-CCP antibodies.
Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces to target and destroy foreign or potentially harmful substances.
If a blood test shows high amounts of an antibody, it means your immune system is protecting you from something. In some instances, like in RA, your immune system produces antibodies that try to destroy healthy tissue.
RA is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system’s antibodies identify internal tissues or substances as foreign and try to destroy them, even though they aren’t harmful.
CCP antibodies commonly appear in your bloodstream when you have RA. They target joint tissue, which eventually causes joint symptoms like:
- swelling
- heat
- discoloration
- pain
Antibodies are sometimes present in blood for two decades before symptoms become evident. Eventually, the antibodies’ attempts to destroy healthy tissues can lead to joint damage and structural changes that can affect joint functioning.
Some people with RA don’t have detectable CCP antibodies in their blood. If you have RA symptoms but test negative for CCP and RF (another type of RA-related antibody), a doctor may give you a seronegative RA diagnosis.
People who test positive for CCP and RF tests may have more severe RA symptoms than people who test positive for one or neither of these markers.
What do the CCP test results mean?
A positive result means you have a high count of CCP antibodies in your blood, while a negative result means you don’t. These results may not say much on their own.
A doctor won’t diagnose RA solely based on a positive CCP test result. They may, however, decide to run other tests, like the RF.
Here’s a look at what the results of these two tests together may suggest:
| CCP test Result | RF test result | Likely meaning |
|---|---|---|
| positive CCP | positive RF | RA is a strong possibility, especially if you have symptoms. |
| positive CCP | negative RF | RA in its early stages is possible, or you may have a high risk of developing it. |
| negative CCP | negative RF | If you have symptoms, you may have seronegative RA. A doctor may still order additional tests to determine whether symptoms have a different cause. If you don’t have symptoms, you likely don’t have RA. |
Some people without RA or other autoimmune diseases can have CCP antibodies in their blood. For example, about 4% of young white people without autoimmune disease may test positive for CCP antibodies.
Biotin and CCP testing
Taking high doses of biotin before your CCP test could produce a false-negative result. Some experts recommend waiting at least 8 hours after consuming 5 to 10 milligrams of biotin before you go in for a blood test. You’re only likely to consume this much biotin if you take supplements.
If you’re taking biotin supplements, telling the doctor and the lab in advance is a good idea.
What other conditions can cause a positive CCP test result?
Doctors primarily use a CCP test to diagnose RA, but CCP antibodies could also be present in people with other conditions, such as:
- Sjögren disease
- polymyalgia rheumatica
- lupus
- chronic lung disease
- active tuberculosis
- some forms of cancer
What other tests usually go along with a CCP test?
If a doctor thinks that you have RA, they may want to do additional examinations and tests, including:
- a review of your personal and family medical history
- a physical exam
- imaging tests of your joints, such as:
- other types of blood tests like:
- RF test
- anti-nuclear antibody test, which helps doctors find antibodies often in people with advanced RA disease
- complete blood count
- inflammation tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein
Learn more about RA diagnosis.
What is the CCP Antibody Test?
The CCP antibody test, also known as the cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody test, is a blood test primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This test detects the presence of specific antibodies in the blood that target cyclic citrullinated peptides, which are proteins often found in higher concentrations in individuals with RA.
Why is the CCP Antibody Test important?
The CCP antibody test is important because it helps in the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Early detection of RA is crucial for effective management and can help prevent joint damage, improve quality of life, and delay or avoid disability.
Who should get a CCP Antibody Test?
The test is recommended for individuals who have symptoms suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis, such as persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the morning. It may also be suggested for people who have a family history of RA or other autoimmune conditions.
How is the CCP Antibody Test conducted?
The CCP antibody test is a simple blood test. A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the presence and level of CCP antibodies.
What do the CCP Antibody Test results mean?
- Positive Result: Indicates a higher likelihood of having rheumatoid arthritis. However, a positive result alone is not diagnostic, and further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary.
- Negative Result: Suggests a lower probability of RA, but does not completely rule out the disease. Other clinical factors and tests may still indicate RA.
Are there any risks associated with the CCP Antibody Test?
The CCP antibody test is considered low-risk. The most common risks are related to blood drawing and may include slight pain, bruising at the needle site, or dizziness. These are generally mild and temporary.
How accurate is the CCP Antibody Test?
The CCP antibody test is highly specific and sensitive for rheumatoid arthritis, meaning it is quite accurate and reliable, especially when combined with other clinical assessments and tests, such as the rheumatoid factor (RF) test.
Can a CCP Antibody Test diagnose other conditions?
While primarily used for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, the presence of CCP antibodies can occasionally be seen in other autoimmune conditions. However, its main purpose is to help diagnose RA. Other conditions with similar symptoms should be ruled out through additional testing.
Should the CCP Antibody Test be repeated?
In some cases, a healthcare provider may suggest repeating the CCP antibody test or conducting alternative tests to monitor disease progression, confirm a diagnosis, or assess treatment efficacy. The need for retesting depends on individual circumstances.
How do I prepare for a CCP Antibody Test?
No special preparation is needed for a CCP antibody test. However, it’s always a good idea to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as any existing health conditions.
Takeaway
Testing positive for a CCP test shows that you may have RA or be at risk of developing it in the future. Usually, more tests are necessary to confirm or rule out this diagnosis.
The CCP antibody test is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a useful tool because the presence of these antibodies can indicate the disease’s early stages and may also help predict its progression. If you suspect joint issues or are experiencing symptoms that could be related to rheumatoid arthritis, discussing this test with your healthcare provider might provide more clarity.