Blood test
Anti-CCP Test
An anti-CCP test looks for antibodies that are highly specific to rheumatoid arthritis and can appear early in the disease.
Quick answer
Anti-CCP Test: what it is and what the results mean
The anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) test measures antibodies that are strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is more specific for the condition than rheumatoid factor.
- Why it is done: It is used to help confirm rheumatoid arthritis, especially in early or uncertain cases, and to help predict how the disease may progress, guiding early treatment decisions.
- Understanding results: A positive anti-CCP strongly supports rheumatoid arthritis and may indicate a higher chance of more aggressive disease, prompting early specialist treatment.
What it is
The anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) test measures antibodies that are strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is more specific for the condition than rheumatoid factor.
Why it is done
It is used to help confirm rheumatoid arthritis, especially in early or uncertain cases, and to help predict how the disease may progress, guiding early treatment decisions.
What to expect
It is an ordinary blood test from a vein in the arm, needing no special preparation, and is usually checked alongside rheumatoid factor and inflammatory markers.
Understanding the results
A positive anti-CCP strongly supports rheumatoid arthritis and may indicate a higher chance of more aggressive disease, prompting early specialist treatment. A negative result does not fully exclude the condition.
Good to know
Risks and limitations
It is a safe blood test. Although more specific than rheumatoid factor, a negative result can still occur in people with the disease, so it is used alongside clinical assessment.
Education and reference only. This explains the test in general terms and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from the team arranging your test, and discuss your results with your clinician.
Answers
Anti-CCP Test: frequently asked questions
Why test anti-CCP as well as rheumatoid factor?
Anti-CCP is more specific for rheumatoid arthritis and can be positive early, so testing both improves the chance of an accurate and early diagnosis.
Does a positive anti-CCP mean severe arthritis?
Not necessarily, but a positive result is linked to a higher likelihood of joint damage over time, which is why it often prompts early and active treatment to protect the joints.
Related tests
Other blood test investigations
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — diagnostic guidance
- Association for Laboratory Medicine / relevant professional body
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