РусскийEnglishEspañol — próximamenteFrançais — bientôtDeutsch — in VorbereitungItaliano — in arrivoAll languages
Anti-CCP antibodies
The most specific blood marker of rheumatoid arthritis — often positive years before joint symptoms.
Other names: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, ACPASection: Immunology
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortAnti-CCP are antibodies against citrullinated peptides. They are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis — far fewer false positives than rheumatoid factor — and can appear years before symptoms. A positive result with joint pain and stiffness warrants a rheumatology visit.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Result — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
negative by the laboratory's cutoff
MedlinePlus describes a qualitative result; each assay sets its own threshold — the report's reference applies. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter your result — we will show how it compares with a typical range. Match the units of the selected row.
Approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference intervals vary by laboratory and method — check your report; result interpretation is done by a doctor.
What this marker is
Citrullination is a protein modification that becomes an immune target in rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-CCP positivity predicts a more erosive course, which is why it influences early treatment decisions.
The test is most informative combined with rheumatoid factor: double positivity is nearly decisive, while anti-CCP also catches some RF-negative cases.
When it is high
Rheumatoid arthritisHigh specificity makes a positive result strong evidence, especially with typical joint findings.
Preclinical stageAntibodies can precede symptoms by years; positivity without symptoms means observation, not self-treatment.
When it is low
Expected findingMost healthy people are negative; a negative result reduces but does not eliminate the probability of rheumatoid arthritis.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Smoking (raises the risk of positivity)Assay method
How to prepare
Blood from a vein; usually no special preparation. Most informative together with rheumatoid factor, CRP, and ESR.
When a retest makes sense
The result is usually stable; a repeat is needed only if sample quality is in doubt — the rheumatologist decides.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: a rheumatologist; your GP or primary care doctor for the first step. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: Anti-CCPACPACyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies
Units
Measured in: U/mL
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
It is far more specific: positivity is seen almost only in rheumatoid arthritis, while RF appears in infections and with age. Together they give maximum accuracy.
Anti-CCP positive but no joint pain — what does it mean?
Possibly a preclinical stage: the risk of arthritis in coming years is elevated. A rheumatology consultation and observation are warranted.
Does the level reflect activity?
No — activity is tracked by symptoms, CRP, and ESR; anti-CCP is a marker of diagnosis and prognosis.
We use cookies and Yandex.Metrika for visit statistics — no advertising tracking and no session recording. The counter loads only after your consent. Privacy policy.