Anti-CCP Test: Price, Uses, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

• Do you often complain about stiffness in your hands and wrists after waking up in the morning?

Or 

• Do you have joint pain?

If yes, your healthcare provider may suggest an anti-CCP test due to the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

Anti-CCP Test: Let’s Discover in Detail

The anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) test helps a doctor identify the levels of antibodies in the blood that target proteins found in the joints. Measuring the levels of CCP antibodies helps a doctor learn the severity of a disease. The test is available at Redcliffe Labs, which has home collection services.

Anti-CCP is autoantibodies that work against the antibodies created by the immune system. 

• Antibodies fight against foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, to protect you from diseases. 
• Autoantibodies are abnormal proteins that attack healthy body cells by mistake, and CCP antibodies are also one of them. 

Consequently, when CCP antibodies attack your body’s healthy tissues in the joints, elbows, wrists, and knees, and if CCP antibodies are found in the blood, they may cause rheumatoid arthritis. If it is not treated on time, it can worsen over time. 

10 Symptoms Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis include: 

1. Pain and swelling of the joints. 
2. Stiffness
3. Fatigue
4. Warmth
5. A loss of function in your joints
6. Lungs, eyes, or heart problems
7. Fever and drowsiness
8. Lipomas lumps (growth of nodules on elbows) 
9. Feeling of uneasiness
10. Pain in the elbows, neck, knees, and feet on occasion

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body's natural defense mechanism mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This results in an inflammatory condition that causes painful swelling. Since it is an inflammatory condition, RH may affect other parts of the body. 

An anti-CCP antibody test measures the presence and levels of antibodies called anti-CCP in the blood, which are particular to RA. Their levels are particular to RA. 

Did you know?

Studies reveal over 75% of people with RA test positive for CCP antibodies. This test is a specified test that can help distinguish rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from other types of arthritis or conditions such as:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

What is the purpose of the Anti CCP Test?

The Anti CCP test aims to help diagnose or rule out rheumatoid arthritis. The test and a rheumatoid factor (RF) test are suggested to diagnose the condition. 

RF factors are usually present in healthy people or those with other autoimmune diseases. Hence, the RH factor and anti-CCP antibody tests provide a more accurate diagnosis than only RF testing results. 

• Detecting Rheumatoid Arthritis: The first and foremost reason your healthcare provider may suggest a test is if you have signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These include swelling, stiffness, or pain in joints. Besides, you may also suffer from poor appetite, weight loss, or sweating. 
• Detects other autoimmune conditions: An anti-CCP test helps diagnose (RA), but CCP antibodies could also be present in people with different conditions, such as chronic lung disease, which may cause chest pain, active tuberculosis, and Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome, which causes dryness in mouth and eyes. 
• Additionally, a CCP antibody test will likely be positive for polymyalgia rheumatica. This inflammatory disorder causes muscle pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips. 
• Differentiate between RA and other conditions: An anti-CCP test is also used to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune conditions. 
• Monitors disease progression: a healthcare professional may also order a CCP antibody test to monitor the progression of disease in you or anyone with rheumatoid arthritis. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare professional orders an anti-CCP antibody test, do not delay. Get yourself tested. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies linked to autoimmune diseases, especially RA, are often present in the initial phase. Early detection and timely intervention can help manage your condition by formulating your treatment plan. 

What does the Anti-CCP Antibodies Test Measure?

An anti-CCP antibodies test is a simple blood test that helps measure the presence of antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP) in the blood even before the clinical symptoms appear. These anti-CCP antibodies are considered one of the early markers of rheumatoid arthritis. 

The test helps assess and diagnose the disease’s severity, helping your doctor provide timely and appropriate care. 

Additionally, blood anti-CCP antibodies can detect RA early. This information can also establish a prognosis for disease progression and enable timely medical intervention. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/comprehensive-guide-to-rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment/

What are the uses of an anti-CCP test?

The primary use of an anti-CCP test is to diagnose and manage rheumatoid arthritis. Let’s discover it in detail. 

• Diagnosis: Your healthcare provider may suggest an anti-CCP test to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This test is crucial, whereas other diagnostic tests, such as the traditional Rheumatoid Factor-Quantitative test, may not be conclusive. The test also helps differentiate RA from different types of arthritis with similar symptoms. 
• Prognosis: If your anti-CCP antibodies are high, it may indicate the severity of the disease and joint damage. The test helps determine the prognosis of the disease. 
• Monitors disease progression: Additionally, the anti-CCP test aids in assessing the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment if you have already been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that, if not treated, may result in joint deformity and bone erosion. 

How can you prepare for the Anti-CCP test?

Preparation for an anti-CCP test is not time-consuming. The test involves a blood draw to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis accurately. The preparation involves the following steps: 

• No fasting is required for an anti-CCP test, which usually allows you to eat or drink anything. 
• Talk to your doctor: Before the test, inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Do not stop taking any medicine without the doctor’s permission.
• Avoid alcohol: Be sure you avoid alcohol intake before going for a blood test. This is to improve the accuracy of the test results. 
• No intense workout: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to joint problems. Avoiding heavy lifting and intense gym workouts can help prevent extreme pain and swelling. Heavy lifting may also cause hormone fluctuations and interfere with test results. 
• Rest is important: It is crucial to sleep for at least 6 hours before a blood test. A rested body feels fresh inside out and makes blood draws easier. 

What is the procedure for the anti-CCP test?

The anti-CCP test procedure is simple and completed within five minutes. It is a blood test, and the sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The needle may feel stingy when it goes in and out. 

After the expert or phlebotomist draws blood, it is collected in a test tube or vial and sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

Note: There is no major risk associated with the test. Most symptoms, such as slight pain or bruising at the puncture spot, will go away quickly. 

What do the anti-anti-CCP results mean?

The anti-CCP test results are measured in EU/ml (enzyme units per milliliter) and interpreted according to the laboratory's reference anti-CCP test range. 

Additionally, the complete analysis of the results may depend on the rheumatoid factor (RF) results and the physical exam. 

Understanding the test results: normal to high values

Anti-CCP test results (EU/mL)	Interpretation
<20	Negative (normal)
Between 20 and 39	Slightly positive
Between 40 and 59	Moderately positive
>60	Strongly positive

• When CCP antibodies and RF are positive: If your anti-CCP test results are positive, this indicates the presence of anti-CCP antibodies and may also suggest higher levels of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 
• When CCP antibodies are positive, but RF is negative, this result may indicate that rheumatoid arthritis is in the early stage or will progress. 
• Negative results: When both CCP antibodies and RF are negative, it may mean the absence of the anti-CCP antibodies or a lower probability of having rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, a doctor may suggest additional testing to help find what is causing your symptoms. 

In both cases, discuss your report with your healthcare provider to understand the laboratory findings. Do not hide anything from the expert, including your medical history, to help him determine your medical condition and help him recommend a diet plan, lifestyle changes, and medications. 

What additional tests are required to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can or cannot be diagnosed in the early stages. This brings the need for additional testing to CCP antibody and RF tests such as:

• X-rays: Your healthcare provider may suggest an X-ray of your joints to detect problems such as narrowed joint spaces or misalignments. 
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): This test also helps detect inflammation in your body, causing immune system disorders, certain cancers, and blood disorders.
• Synovial Fluid Analysis is a specialized test that determines the cause of arthritis, mainly septic or crystal-inditis. 
• C-reactive Protein: Another test can help a doctor diagnose inflammation in your body caused by infection, injury, or a chronic disease.
• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA): These are defined as antibodies, and the test helps detect if you have an autoimmune disorder. 

Note: All these tests involve blood draws, and increased protein in the blood may be a sign of a medical condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) that causes inflammation in the body. 

Who should take the Anti CCP test?

An anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody test is mainly used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. A doctor is likely to suggest the test to people who fall under these categories: 

• People complaining about persistent pain: Individuals who complain about having persistent joint pain in hands, knees, or arms, or who may experience stiffness and swelling, may likely get an anti-CCP test done. 
• Individuals with other rheumatic conditions: A doctor suggests an anti-CCP test for individuals with 10% or fewer other rheumatic conditions. Additionally, the values might be higher in individuals with erosive joint disease, such as erosive osteoarthritis. 

ATTENTION! 

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a screening method for diagnosing RA. People who test positive for RF are likelier to undergo an anti-CCP antibody evaluation test. A positive anti-CCP test result is more reliable than a positive RF for Arthritis. 

Does an Anti-CCP test always show positive results in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

No, not really. An anti-CCP test does not always show positive results in rheumatoid arthritis. It depends on how advanced the RA is. 

A 2016 study revealed that positive anti-CCP results occurred in: 

• Individuals with 23% of RA in the early stages
• 50% of people experienced during the diagnosis stage
• 53-30% of people were aware 2 years after their diagnosis. 

Interpretation

The study underlines that time is the determining factor in detecting anti-CCP. Hence, even if you have a positive RA, your anti-CCP test results can be negative. 

Is anti-CCP only specific to RA?

If you have a positive anti-CCP, it means you have RA, but the condition is not specific to RA alone. Other conditions, such as tuberculosis, systemic lupus, and autoimmune hepatitis, are also linked with positive anti-CCP. A further evaluation is needed to determine the actual disease. 

What is the difference between anti-CCP and RF?

Anti-CCP and RF are different antibodies, but both help diagnose RA. Below is a table showing the difference between anti-CCP and RF regarding RA. 

Anti-CCP	RF
1. The Anti CCP is an Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody that protects your body from foreign substances like viruses and bacteria.	1. RF, or rheumatoid factor, is an autoantibody produced by the immune system that can attack the body's healthy tissues.
2. The Anti CCP test is a blood test that helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA).	2. The rheumatoid factor (RF) is also a blood test that measures the RF antibody in the blood.
3. A positive anti-CCP test and a positive RF test confirm the presence of rheumatoid arthritis.	3. If the RF test is present in the blood but is not specific to RA, it may mean an autoimmune condition.

Consequently, experts find the anti-CCP test offers more diagnostic accuracy than the RF test. 

Can anti-CCP test results show wrong results?

Even though the anti-CCP test results offer more diagnostic accuracy for RA than other rheumatoid factor tests, they can still show inconsistent accuracy, especially in Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). 

Some diseases causing elevated anti-CCP levels could confuse doctors, whether due to RA or something else. Additionally, the test can show false negative results, which means the anti-CCP tests are positive, but you have RA, which occurs in the earliest stages of the disease. 

Conclusion 

The anti-CCP test is a valuable tool for early diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis, allowing for timely intervention and management. 

The test is highly sensitive and specific about RA and its differences from other forms of arthritis. 

So, why wait? If you have signs and symptoms of RA, get tested immediately. Early detection and timely intervention help a healthcare provider guide you on how to manage symptoms, and lifestyle modifications and medicines can also help improve the overall quality of your life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Redcliffe Labs Offers Affordable Anti-CCP Test Price for RA Diagnosis. Book Now! 

If your physician suspects rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, skin nodules, or fever, it is important to get tested immediately. 

Redcliffe Labs—Giving India its Right to Diagnostics is a pan-Indian omnichannel diagnostic service provider that offers high-end diagnostics in tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 cities. Our purpose-driven establishment follows the highest quality standards and provides a range of tests, including routine, genetic, and specialized tests, as part of our comprehensive menu, 

Book an appointment for an anti-CCP test with a home sample collection if suggested. The in-house yet certified phlebotomist will ensure timely blood collection and sample delivery. The experienced lab doctor team will provide multiple quality checks across all touch points to deliver your anti-CCP test report, typically within 24 hours. 

Book an anti-CCP test at an affordable price starting from Rs 1549 - Rs 1900 with Redcliffe Labs for timely diagnosis and intervention. Call directly or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app now! 

Step-by-step information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is an anti-CCP test done?

An anti-CCP test is done to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and determine how RA differs from other forms of arthritis. A doctor may also recommend the test to check the severity of the disease and track its progression. 

2. Is fasting important for an anti-CCP test?

No, fasting is not required for an anti-CCP test. It allows you to eat or drink your regular meal before the test. Consult your doubts regarding the test to receive the most accurate results. 

3. What is the normal range for anti-CCP testing?

The normal range for anti-CCP testing is less than 20 EU/mL. However, this range can vary depending on your age, sex, and laboratory where the test was conducted. 

4. What does the abnormal anti-CCP test result mean?

If your anti-CCP test results are higher than the normal range (more than 60 EU/mL), this suggests a high likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, further consultation with your doctor is needed to confirm the diagnosis. 

5. What parameters does an anti-CCP test measure?

An anti-CCP test typically measures the blood's blood's anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs). Less than 20 EU/mL indicates negative or normal test results or a low likelihood of having RA. 

6. What are other names for an anti-CCP test?

Other names for an anti-CCP test are the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide test and the anti-CCP antibodies test. 

7. Who should get an anti-CCP test done?

The anti-CCP test is recommended for people with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the hands and feet. 

8. Can you have RA with a negative anti-CCP test?

Yes, it is possible to have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) even with a negative anti-CCP test. This is known as seronegative RA.

9. What is the difference between anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor (RF)?

Anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor (RF) are both blood tests used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RF is less specific and can be present in other diseases as well. While anti-CCP is more specific to RA. 

10. How long does it take to get anti-CCP test results?

At Redcliffe Labs, the anti-CCP test results are available within 48 hours. The time may vary from lab to lab and depending on the procedure of the test. 

11. Can medications affect anti-CCP test results?

Yes, certain medications like immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory medications can affect anti-CCP test results.

12. Can anti-CCP levels change over time?

Yes, anti-CCP levels can change over time if it's due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment.

13. Do high anti-CCP levels mean severe RA?

Yes, high anti-CCP levels may indicate severe RA. The test detects rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and high levels of anti-CCP indicate increased joint damage and long-term complications. 

14. What should I do if my anti-CCP test is positive?

If your anti-CCP test is positive, it indicates a high risk of rheumatoid arthritis. You should consult your doctor and get the appropriate treatment. 

15. Can lifestyle changes affect anti-CCP levels?

Yes, some lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, can influence anti-CCP antibody levels.

16. How accurate is the anti-CCP test for diagnosing RA?

The anti-CCP test is a highly accurate blood test for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At Redcliffe Labs, you will get 100% correct reports guaranteed. 

17. Can a healthy person test positive for anti-CCP?

The anti-CCP blood test is used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. However, a healthy person can test positive for anti-CCP antibodies. It indicates the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in the future.