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CCP
Also known as: Citrulline antibody, Anti-citrulline antibody, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, anti-CCP Formal name: Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody Related tests: Rheumatoid Factor
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?The cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (CCP) test is a relatively new assay that detects the presence of citrulline antibodies in the blood. These autoantibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to a perceived threat from citrulline. An unusual amino acid, citrulline is created when the amino acid arginine is altered. There is speculation that the conversion of arginine to citrulline may play a role in the autoimmune inflammatory process seen in the joints of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
January 15, 2005.
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