What is an ACPA test?
Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies can be present in the blood if you have an autoimmune disease known as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
They are directed against cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP). These antibodies can be elevated in someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A CCP antibody test test detects and measures anti-CCP antibodies in the blood. It is used alongside a rheumatoid factor test to give a picture of RA risk and prognosis.
Why test ACPA?
Testing ACPA can be helpful if you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and your rheumatoid factor test was negative. Other reasons include a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or similar autoimmune diseases.
What do the results mean?
RA is a clinical diagnosis made by considering symptoms in conjunction with tests. A doctor can diagnose you with rheumatoid arthritis even if both tests are negative if there are clear symptoms. Not everyone with rheumatoid arthritis has CCP antibodies in their bloodstream.
The ACPA/CCP antibody test can help diagnose RA in someone with joint inflammation and symptoms that suggest, but do not yet meet, the criteria of RA. It may be ordered with a rheumatoid factor (RF) test, or if the RF result is negative.
Negative
A negative CCP test means you don't have antibodies against CCP in your bloodstream.
Positive
A positive CCP test means that you have antibodies against CCP in your bloodstream. The ACPA/CCP antibody test can help diagnose RA in someone who has joint inflammation with symptoms that suggest but do not yet meet the criteria of RA and may be ordered along with RF or if the RF result is negative.
ACP antibodies are specific for rheumatoid arthritis. A positive test means a likely diagnosis of RA. The presence of these antibodies may also predict the future development of RA and can be detected in healthy individuals many years before the onset of clinical or diagnosed RA. However, these antibodies are not found in everyone with RA.
This test, alongside the rheumatoid factor test, gives the most complete picture of RA status and risk. Please note that rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical diagnosis. Discuss your results and symptoms with a rheumatologist.
Preparations for this test
No preparation is needed for this test.
On the day of the test
Remember to take your I.D. with you when going to take a test. Do not work out before going to do this test, as this may affect your results. Take this test before 10 am, as results can vary throughout the day. Arrive early and sit quietly for 15 minutes before taking the test.
Other information
This test is usually done alongside a rheumatoid factor test (link to below text) for a full analysis. This analysis is done daily. You can expect the results within 2-3 days.