Anti citrullinated protein / peptide antbodies, also known as ACPAs are primarily autoantibodies that are most often detected in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, the CCP test is often ordered along with a rheumatoid factor (RF Test) to help diagnose the condition correctly. Since citrullinated antibodies are so closely related to a single condition, it would help to know a little bit about rheumatoid arthritis to help you, to some extent identify if you need to undergo the test or not. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the chronic inflammation of a number of joints in the human body. Although the condition is a chronic illness, patients may experience a long period without any noticeable symptoms. However, if the condition is ignored for a substantial amount of time, it could progress to some very serious outcomes including joint destruction and functional disability. Some of the more prominent symptoms of the condition include pain, stiffness and inflammation.
The citrulline antibody test is a relatively new test developed in order to detect the presence of citrulline antibodies in the blood. These are usually produced by the immune system in response to a perceived threat from citrulline. Since the condition can often start to develop without any noticeable symptoms, the ccp test is one of the best methods of diagnosis. The results will show up in about 50 to 60 percent of all patients upto about three to six months after the condition takes a foothold in the body.
As with any type of blood test, a blood sample will be drawn from a vein in the arm by inserting a needle into the arm just behind the elbow. A strap may be fastened to the top of the arm in order to cause the vein to swell up and become more prominent. This allows the nurse or doctor to puncture the vein with greater accuracy. Once a sample of blood has been collected in the syringe, a piece of cotton will be pressed over the site of puncture and the needle withdrawn. The pressure will help expedite the healing process of the body. Once the sample of blood has been taken, it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, after which the reports will be reviewed by the presiding doctor and a course of action decided upon. The risks involved with the blood test are limited to a feeling of nausea or dizziness as long as proper hygienic standards are used in the collection of the blood sample