Anti-citrulline Antibody Test Purpose, Procedure, Result Interpretation and Your Test Result Meaning

Anti-citrulline antibody, also known as anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), is an autoantibody that targets citrulline, an amino acid produced during post-translational modifications of proteins. These antibodies are primarily associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are used as a specific marker for diagnosing this autoimmune disease. Anti-citrulline antibody testing helps in early detection and management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Also Known as	CCP Antibody, Citrulline Antibody, Anti-citrulline Antibody, Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide, Anti-CCP, ACPA, Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody
Test Purpose	To Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis To Estimating disease severity
Test Preparations	No Special Preparation Required
Test Components	Anti CCP
Specimen	2 ML (1 ML Min.) Serum From 1 SST. Ship Refrigerated Or Frozen.
Stability Room	2 Hrs
Stability Refrigerated	48 Hrs
Stability Frozen	1 Week
Method	ELISA
Download Report	Download Report

Anti-CCP blood tests are commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis. They help differentiate RA from other forms of arthritis and assist in determining the severity and prognosis of the disease. These tests are typically performed alongside other diagnostic tests, such as the rheumatoid factor (RF) test and imaging studies, to form a comprehensive evaluation.

Why to Get Tested:

• To Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis
• To Estimating disease severity

When to get Tested:

You may need this test if you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These include:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
• Joint swelling
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

You may also need this test if other tests couldn’t confirm or rule out a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Test Preparation:

No Need any Preparation for this test

Sample Required

2-3 ml Blood in SST or Yellow cap Tube

REJECT DUE TO 

Gross hemolysis	Reject
Gross lipemia	Reject
Gross icterus	OK
Heat-treated specimen	Reject

Normal Values:

• <20.0 U (negative)
• 20.0-39.9 U (weak positive)
• 40.0-59.9 U (positive)
• > or =60.0 U (strong positive)

Reference values apply to all ages.

Negative Result Mean:

Negative CCP antibodies and negative RF, it means you are less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. Your provider may need to do more tests to help find out what is causing your symptoms.

Positive Result Mean:

• Positive CCP antibodies and positive RF, it likely means that you have rheumatoid arthritis.
• Positive CCP antibodies and negative RF, it may mean you are in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis or will develop it in the future.

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Possible References Used

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