Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Anti-CCP
Anti-CCP testing helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. For older adults, RA can develop at any age, and early diagnosis enables treatment to preserve joint function and quality of life.
What It Measures
This test detects antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides. Citrullination is a protein modification that occurs in inflamed joints, and the immune response to these modified proteins is characteristic of RA.
Why It Matters
Anti-CCP has approximately 95% specificity for RA, making it the most specific serological marker. Its presence predicts more severe, erosive disease, enabling early aggressive treatment to prevent joint damage.
When to Test
Testing can be indicated for suspected RA: symmetric joint pain and swelling (especially small joints of hands and feet), morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes, or positive rheumatoid factor needing confirmation.
Symptoms
Low Levels
A negative anti-CCP does not exclude RA. Approximately 20-30% of RA patients are seronegative (negative for both RF and anti-CCP).
High Levels
A positive anti-CCP in the context of joint symptoms strongly supports RA diagnosis. It predicts more aggressive disease with joint erosions and may be present years before clinical symptoms develop.
Lifestyle Tips
If anti-CCP positive with symptoms, early rheumatology referral is crucial. Modern RA treatment aims to achieve remission through early, aggressive therapy. Regular exercise, joint protection techniques, and smoking cessation are important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anti-CCP better than rheumatoid factor?
Anti-CCP is more specific (95% vs 80%). RF can be positive in many conditions. Anti-CCP is more useful for confirming RA and predicting disease severity.
Can anti-CCP be positive before symptoms?
Yes. Anti-CCP can be detected up to 10 years before clinical RA develops, making it valuable for identifying at-risk individuals.
Does a high anti-CCP level indicate worse disease?
Higher titres are associated with more aggressive, erosive disease. However, treatment decisions depend on the overall clinical picture, not antibody levels alone.