How does an anti-CCP test impact my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

The anti-CCP (inated peptide antibody) is a blood test that is commonly used to confirm a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-CCP tests are one of the most specific markers for the disease and may be positive even if the rheumatoid factor (RF) is negative.

For many, an anti-CCP test can be positive years before the first signs of RA are recognized.