CCP value
What is the CCP value?
In technical language, the CCP value stands for antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides. Antibodies are special proteins in the human body. CCP antibodies are wrongly directed against the body's own connective tissue. In rheumatoid arthritis, the CCP value is therefore often increased. The CCP value is considered an early marker for rheumatoid arthritis.
Synonyms for the CCP value
The CCP value is also known as the CCP-AK. This abbreviation stands for antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides. The abbreviation ACPA is also used internationally.
Indications for a CCP value determination
The CCP value can be determined if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected. Compared to other rheumatoid factors, it has the advantage that it is often increased at an early stage when the rheumatoid arthritis is not yet clinically detectable.
It also has a high positive predictive value (positive predictive value). This means that a high CCP value is associated with a high probability of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
About 60% - 75% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis will have a positive anti-CCP test. The CCP value has the advantage that it is rarely increased in other diseases compared to the other rheumatoid factors.
Normal value
The normal value is below 7 U / ml (units per milliliter). This value is given in the specialist literature. The individual laboratories may have different reference values. The respective reference values are given with a laboratory finding and should be strictly observed,
What does the CCP value say about the severity?
A greatly increased CCP value can indicate a severe inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. The drug therapy should therefore be adjusted by the attending physician.
Do you have to be sober to take a blood sample?
You don't usually have to appear sober to determine the CCP value. Since other blood values are often determined, however, you should discuss with the attending physician whether you should appear on an empty stomach to take your blood.
Evaluation of the CCP value
The attending physician sends the CCP value to a laboratory. There it is determined in a laboratory and the result is communicated to the treating doctor. The measurement methods and reference values may differ depending on the laboratory. Therefore, the respective reference values and the measurement method are included in the laboratory results. The attending physician will discuss the laboratory results with his patient at the next appointment.
How long does it take to get the result?
Depending on whether the laboratory value is determined in the hospital laboratory or sent to a special laboratory by a resident doctor, it can take a few days to weeks until the laboratory results are ready.
What does it cost to determine the CCP value
According to the simple rate of the fee schedule for doctors, determining the CCP value costs 26.23 euros. In the event of an indication by the doctor, the costs are usually covered by the health insurance company.
Are there alternative laboratory values?
In addition to the CCP value, there are other blood values that can be related to a rheumatic disease. These include the so-called rheumatoid factors, the HLA B 27 value, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anticytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). It can also be useful to determine the general inflammation values. However, these are unspecific and not indicative of a specific disease.
Can the value be negative despite rheumatism?
The CCP value can be negative although rheumatoid arthritis has been clinically diagnosed with certainty. This is the case in 25% - 40%. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, there are other rheumatic diseases for which the CCP value is usually negative.
