Anti-CCP Antibody (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) Test Price in Jharapada

Test Description

Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, also known as anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), are autoantibodies directed against proteins that have undergone post-translational modification of arginine to citrulline by peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes. This modification is triggered by smoking and other environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals (HLA-DR4 carriers). Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific (95–97%) and moderately sensitive (60–80%) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), making them the most specific diagnostic test for RA. Anti-CCP can appear years to decades before the onset of clinical RA (preclinical RA phase), offering potential for preventive intervention in the future. In the 2010 ACR/EULAR RA classification criteria, anti-CCP seropositivity (especially high titer >3x ULN) contributes significantly to the scoring system. Anti-CCP positive RA is associated with worse radiographic progression (more erosive disease), more aggressive therapy requirements, and poorer long-term outcomes compared to seronegative RA. Anti-CCP testing uses third-generation ELISA with synthetic cyclic citrullinated peptide substrates and is not affected by recent infections or immunoglobulin therapy.