Anti-CCP Test for Rheumatoid Arthritis by Lifelabs

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system – which normally functions to protect you against infections – mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. RA causes redness, pain, swelling, or a hot (or warm) feeling in the lining of a joint and can also affect other internal organs such as the eyes, lungs, or heart. 

Each year, about 1% of Canadians are affective by RA. If left untreated RA can create debilitating and permanent joint damage. While the causes of RA are not completely clear, we know that people with RA frequently have the presence of antibodies directed against the body’s cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP).

Anti-CCP Test: The Anti-CCP test is a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies directed against the body’s cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP). These antibodies are frequently detected in the blood of people with rheumatoid arthritis. The Anti-CCP test is a highly accurate test and can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis at a very early stage, sometimes years before the development of symptoms.

Who Should Get Tested?: Anyone can get rheumatoid arthritis, but the risk increases with age and most commonly develops between 40 and 60 years of age. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, you should talk to your doctor about being tested for RA. Individuals should also consider the Anti-CCP test who has a family history of rheumatoid arthritis. Women are also 2 to 3 times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.

When Is Test Ordered? : Your healthcare provider may order an Anti-CCP test if you are experiencing typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and you:

• have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis
• are experiencing hormonal changes
• are between the ages of 40 and 69
• have recently had an infection
• have already been diagnosed with RA and your rheumatologist wants to monitor the RA protein levels.

Testing is completed by LifeLabs at a Patient Service Centre or via our mobile lab service (available in select cities) through a simple blood sample. You will require a completed test requisition from your healthcare provider.