Rheumatoid Arthritis – It’s Never too Early to Test

Things you should know about Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common, systemic autoimmune disease affecting between 0.5-1% of the adult population. It is characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints which can lead to progressive joint destruction and consequent impairment in quality of life.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is associated with reduced quality of life, decreased life expectancy, and has an adverse financial impact on the individual and society. The risk of cardiovascular mortality is twice that of the general population.

Early intervention is vital in preventing irreversible joint damage and it is therefore important to diagnose RA as early as possible.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Anti-CCP?

CCP antibodies, also called anti-CCP antibodies, are a type of antibody called autoantibodies. Antibodies and autoantibodies are proteins made by the immune system. Antibodies protect you from disease by fighting foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. Autoantibodies can cause disease by attacking the body's healthy cells by mistake. Anti-CCP is commonly produced when you have rheumatoid arthritis. 

What is Anti-CCP test used for?

A CCP antibody test is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. It's often done along with or after a rheumatoid factor (RF) test. Rheumatoid factors are another type of autoantibody. RF tests used to be the main test to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. But RF factors can be found in people with other autoimmune diseases and even in some healthy people. Many studies have shown that CCP antibodies provide a more accurate diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis compared with RF testing.

Getein’s Anti-CCP Solution

Reference：

1. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ccp-antibody-test/

2. Van der Helm-van Mil AH et al, 2007;Arthritis Rheum;56:433-440

3. Machold KP et al;2007;Rheumatology(Oxford);46:342-349