Anti-CCP antibodies blood test in Chiswick
This blood test measures anti-CCP antibodies, a highly specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis. It is booked by people with joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness who want to understand whether an autoimmune cause is likely.
What the test measures
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are autoantibodies that target proteins altered by a natural chemical process called citrullination. They are strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness, often in the hands and feet on both sides of the body.
Anti-CCP is more specific for RA than rheumatoid factor, the older test, meaning a positive result is less often caused by other conditions. The antibodies can appear years before joint symptoms begin, and people with a positive result tend to have a higher chance of joint damage, which is why early recognition matters.
The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have painful, swollen joints, especially in your fingers, wrists or feet.
- Your joints feel stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking.
- You have joint symptoms and a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Your rheumatoid factor has come back positive and you want more clarity.
- Your GP or practitioner is trying to tell inflammatory arthritis apart from wear and tear.
Understanding your result
A positive anti-CCP result, particularly with matching symptoms, makes rheumatoid arthritis more likely and is a reason to see your GP, who can refer you to a rheumatologist. A negative result is reassuring but does not exclude RA, because a proportion of people with the condition are anti-CCP negative. Your report shows the laboratory reference range, and higher levels are generally more significant.
NHS guidance recommends prompt referral for anyone with persistent joint swelling, whatever the blood tests show. Your result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.
Preparing for your test
You do not need to fast or prepare in any special way. Keep taking your usual medicines, and tell us about any anti-inflammatory or steroid treatment you are using.
Anti-CCP is included in the Omnia Signature (£961). Joint pain and tiredness can also have other causes, so the Standard Screen and our vitamin D test can be useful alongside. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an anti-CCP test in Chiswick?
The Anti-CCP Antibodies test costs £59 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
How is anti-CCP different from rheumatoid factor?
Both are linked to RA, but rheumatoid factor is also found with infections, other autoimmune conditions and in some healthy older people. Anti-CCP is more specific, so the two are often used together.
Can I have rheumatoid arthritis with a negative result?
Yes. Some people have seronegative RA, so persistent joint swelling should always be assessed by a doctor.
Can anti-CCP help with osteoarthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis is not autoimmune, so anti-CCP is not raised by it. The test helps distinguish the two.
