These proteins are part of an immune system attack on healthy tissues and cells, such as the joints.
A healthcare provider may order this test to help diagnoserheumatoid arthritis(RA).
Another common name for this is the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) test.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Other names include:
This article discusses cyclic citrullinated peptides.
What Does the CCP Test Measure?
The CCP antibody test measures cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (Immunoglobulin G, or IgG) in the blood.
Cyclic citrullinated peptides are circular proteins that contain citrulline.
When inflammation is present, the body converts the amino acidarginineto the amino acidcitrulline.
In RA, the joints make an excess of citrulline, which changes the structure of proteins.
The immune system responds to this change by making cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies.
Autoantibodies are antibodies that attack a persons healthy tissues and cells.
Do I Need To Fast for a CCP Test?
Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, you do not need to fast before a CCP test.
it’s possible for you to eat and drink as normal before the test.
You should be able to resume normal activities immediately and do not need to take any special precautions.
A normal level of CCP antibodies is less than 20 units per milliliter (U/mL).
This is considered a negative test result.
Other RA Tests
The CCP antibody blood test is one component of diagnosing RA.
While a positive CCP test result indicates an autoimmune condition, a negative result does not rule it out.
CCP results are negative at the time of diagnosis about half the time.
There is no single test that can diagnose RA.
However, other autoimmune conditions can also test positive for CCP antibodies.
Occasionally, ahematoma(swelling of pooled blood) may form under your skin.
Otherwise, these side effects should resolve on their own in a few days.
Tell your healthcare provider if the symptoms persist or get worse.
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded at any point during or after the test, tell the healthcare professional.
You may need to lie down until this passes.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Interpreting CCP Test Results
The amount of time it takes to receive your results can vary.
You may have to wait a couple of days or a week.
Check with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about the waiting period.
Your practitioner should receive the results and communicate with you.
Reference Ranges: What Is Low, Normal, and High?
When you receive the test results, you will see numbers in a reference range.
They may be reported in U/mL (units per milliliter).
It is possible for a person to have a negative test result and have RA at the same time.
A positive CCP antibody test means you have these antibodies in your blood and may have RA.
How Accurate Is a CCP Test?
Your practitioner may also order CCP antibody tests periodically to see if your RA treatments are working.
Talk to your practitioner to see which tests are best for you.
If you are diagnosed with RA, your healthcare provider will help you figure out the next steps.
You may also have to takemedications for RA.
Summary
Cyclic citrullinated peptides are amino acids produced by joint inflammation.
The immune system thinks CCP is an invader, and releases anti-CCP antibodies to combat it.
Your healthcare provider may order a CCP antibody test if you have painful, swollen, or stiff joints.
A positive CCP antibody test is an indication of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
A negative result, however, does not definitively rule out RA and other inflammatory conditions.
Your healthcare provider will review your CCP antibody test results along with other tests before making a diagnosis.
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