Test Description

Anti-CCP3 is an autoantibody to CCP3 (cyclic citrullinated peptide 3) that is usually ordered along with rheumatoid factor (RF IgM) to diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to evaluate the severity and probable course of the prognosis. RF alone can be elevated in people with infections, other autoimmune diseases, and normal individuals. This version of the test detects IgA in addition to the usual IgG antibodies, providing a highly specific and sensitive assay. This test may also be useful when determining a patient’s risk for developing RA in the future.

When should this test be ordered?
It is important to diagnose and treat RA as early as possible. The main associated symptoms are stiffness or pain in the joints, swelling in joints or X-rays indicating cartilage or bone damage.
High Risk · >= 40 (Units)
Calculate DAS score. If DAS >= 6, likely diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as per ACR guidelines. Consider analgesics such as NSAIDs and disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Regular exercise recommended.
Borderline Risk · 20-39 (Units)
Calculate DAS score. If DAS >= 6, likely diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as per ACR guidelines. Consider analgesics such as NSAIDs and disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Regular exercise recommended.
Low Risk · <= 19 (Units)
A negative Anti-CCP result does not necessarily rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis. The test may be rerun or further testing advised depending on patient symptoms.
Testing Method Used
ELISA.

Sample is stable for 7 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Physicians may select and prescribe medications specific to your diagnosis.
The goal of treatment is to minimize symptoms such as pain and swelling, to prevent bone deformity and to maintain day-to-day functioning. This can often be achieved using two main classes of medications: analgesics such as NSAIDs, and disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Symptoms can be alleviated by maintaining a healthy weight, physical therapy or strength enhancing exercises, reduce fatigue by getting adequate rest and sleep, and consuming an anti-inflammatory diet.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be done with other tests that requires fasting.
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly lipemic or hemolyzed; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References
1. Weinblatt, M. E. (2000). The arthritis action program: an integrated plan of traditional and complementary therapies. New York: Simon & Schuster
2. Elghetany MT, Banki K. Erythrocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 32.
The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.