Coming to a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can be easy. We are spared months of bouncing between doctors and tests if we have the “right” symptoms and the “right” labs. Unfortunately, for many, the road to a RA diagnosis isn’t quite so quick. This is most commonly seen when the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is positive but the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) is negative.
As we’ve spoken about before, the RF antibody blood test is far from perfect. Despite its name, the Rheumatoid Factor is not specific for RA. In fact, it is seen in many other medical conditions (including the condition of “getting older”). Usually ordered with a RF (and if not with, then usually immediately afterwards) is the anti-CCP antibody. This antibody is MUCH more specific for RA and is seen in individuals years before developing RA symptoms. After 20+ years of practice, it is now standard of care to order an anti-CCP when concerned about RA. And our dependence on it can lead many to be confused when it returns negative.
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