CCP

Also known as: Citrulline antibody; Anti-citrulline antibody; anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody; anti-CCP

Formal name: Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

The cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (CCP) test is a relatively new assay that detects the presence of anti-citrulline antibodies in the blood. Citrulline is an unusual amino acid (protein building block), which is created when the amino acid arginine is altered. There is speculation that conversion of arginine to citrulline resulting in “citrullinated” proteins in the lining of joints, may be the target of anti-CCP antibodies in RA, which may contribute to inflammatory process in 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.

If you don't know what a word or a medical term means, try the Mondofacto Online Medical Dictionary .