Test Details & Preparation

• A cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody test may be ordered along with or following a rheumatoid factor (RF) test to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to assess the severity and probable course of the disease.


• A cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody testing may also be ordered to help evaluate the likely development of RA in people with undifferentiated arthritis.


• A cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody testing may be ordered as a follow-up test to a negative RF test when clinical signs and symptoms lead a doctor to suspect rheumatoid arthritis.


• A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm for a cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody test.


• No test preparation is required for a cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody test.


• When people with signs of arthritis are positive for both CCP antibody and RF, it is very likely that they have rheumatoid arthritis and it is likely that they may develop a more rapidly progressive and severe form of the disease.


• When people are positive for CCP antibody but not RF, or have low levels of both, and have clinical signs that suggest RA, then it is likely that they have early RA or that they will develop RA in the future.


• When individuals are negative for CCP antibody but have a positive RF, then the clinical signs and symptoms are more vital in determining whether they have RA or some other inflammatory condition.