Anti-CCP Analysis (ACPA)

What is Anti-CCP?

CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies are autoantibodies. They are proteins, like other antibodies. While the immune system produces antibodies in response to external agents, autoantibodies attack the body’s own healthy cells.

Why is the Anti-CCP Test Performed?

Autoantibodies can be found in individuals with autoimmune diseases. CCP antibodies target citrulline, a protein commonly found in the synovial fluid of joints. The presence of these antibodies can indicate a predisposition to developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of this condition. Thus, anti-CCP antibodies are used as a marker for rheumatoid arthritis because they are specific to this disease and usually do not appear in other autoimmune disorders.

Anti-CCP and RF

This test is often conducted alongside the RF (rheumatoid factor) test. Rheumatoid factors are another type of autoantibodies but are less specific, as RF can be present in healthy individuals as well as those with other autoimmune diseases, not necessarily RA (rheumatoid arthritis).

When is the Anti-CCP Test Performed?

In addition to diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, anti-CCP antibodies can have prognostic value in RA. Individuals with high levels of these antibodies typically have a more severe form of the disease with greater joint destruction. Monitoring anti-CCP antibody levels over time can help predict disease progression and adjust therapy accordingly.

How is the Anti-CCP Test Performed?

The test is conducted using a sample of venous blood without any special preparation required from the patient. It is advisable that the blood sample not be taken immediately after a meal. This is a routine laboratory test, and results are typically available within a day.

Reference Values for Anti-CCP

The reference range for this test is provided by the test manufacturer. BioDiagnostica Laboratory uses the test from ORGENTEC Diagnostika GmbH, which has provided the following recommendation: