Anti-CCP – research and interpretation of the results

Anti-CCP are the body’s own antibodies that are directed against CCP markers. Their presence indicates an inflammatory process in the joints, most commonly in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. The test allows not only to identify the disease and assess its severity, but also to estimate the probability of contracting the disease. It is easy and requires no patient preparation.

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Anti-CCP – what kind of study is this?

CCP or cyclic citrullinated peptide is an amino acid formed as a result of modification of arginine. This is due to the inflammatory process in the joints. The citrullinated peptide begins to be released into the blood. Anti-CCP, on the other hand, is a group of antibodies that the immune system begins to produce in response to a marker of inflammation. The detection of antibodies indicates an inflammation, usually in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-CCP test not only allows the detection of the disease, but is also performed for prognostic purposes. The presence of CCP antibodies in the blood without joint symptoms can herald the development of the disease in the years to come. The test involves taking a blood sample from the elbow vein. The patient can take the test without any special preparation at any time of the day, he does not have to be fasting.

You can find out about the indications for anti-CCP tests from the article:

https://badania blood.pl/anty-ccp-co-to-za-badanie-co-oznaczaja-wyniki/.

Anti-CCP Standards

The anti-CCP standards are:

• normal value: < 7 U/ml;
• Limit: 7-10 U/ml.

A result above 10 U/ml is considered positive and is the basis for consulting a rheumatologist. If there are no joint problems with a borderline or positive result, the doctor may recommend repeating the test.

Note that the value recording may vary depending on the testing laboratory. Normal values ​​are sometimes written as follows: < 17 U/ml, < 5 RU/ml.

What does an elevated anti-CCP result mean?

An elevated anti-CCP result indicates a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or the likelihood of developing the disease in the years to come. It also allows you to assess the extent of joint destruction and the severity of the condition. It is important to realize that the anti-CCP test itself is not the basis for the diagnosis. Patients who test positive for anti-CCP should undergo detailed joint imaging. The diagnosis is supplemented by determining the CRP level in the blood. Evidence of an inflammatory reaction in the body is a CRP above 3.1 to 10 ml/l.

Negatively anti-CCP

A negative anti-CCP result means there is no inflammation in the joints, making it unlikely that you will develop rheumatoid arthritis.