CCP antibody blood test
Explanation
A CCP antibody test looks for anti-CCP antibodies in blood. These are immune proteins that react against the body's own proteins. They are often associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the immune system causes inflammation in joints.
What does CCP stand for?
CCP means cyclic citrullinated peptide. This describes the material used in the laboratory test to detect these antibodies. Reports may also use the name ACPA for this family of antibodies.
Does a positive result confirm rheumatoid arthritis?
It makes rheumatoid arthritis more likely when symptoms and examination findings fit. The antibodies can sometimes appear before clear joint symptoms, and occasionally in other conditions. The result alone does not establish a diagnosis.
A negative result makes rheumatoid arthritis less likely but cannot rule it out. Your clinician may compare the result with rheumatoid factor, a different antibody test, and examine painful or swollen joints. Other blood tests or images of the joints may help explain persistent symptoms.
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