Synonyms |
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Anti-cyclic
citrullinated peptide antibodies
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Clinical
Indications |
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A high
proportion of patients with established Rheumatoid Arthritis
(RA) have anti-CCP antibodies and relatively few patients
without RA are positive (2-5% of disease controls). Anti-CCP
antibodies appear early in RA and can predate clinical onset
by years. Most, but not all, patients are also positive for
rheumatoid factor (RhF). Evidence suggests that RA should be
treated as early as possible to improve long-term outcome.
Management of RhF-negative patients may be altered as a result
of positive anti-CCP antibodies.
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Request Form |
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Combined
Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)
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Availability |
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Analysed
by referral laboratory if specific criteria met.
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Specific
Criteria |
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Requested
by Consultant Rheumatologists or, if agreed with Consultant
Biochemist, in the initial assessment/diagnosis of early
synovial RA in patients with negative or equivocal RhF (Less
than 30 IU/mL)
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Turnaround
Time |
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3 weeks
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Specimen |
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Serum
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Volume |
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2
ml
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Container |
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Yellow top (SST)
or red top (plain) tube
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Lab.
Handling |
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Separate
and store at 4’C. Send by 1st
class post as soon as possible.
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Causes
for Rejection |
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Not
meeting specific criteria for analysis. Repeat analysis.
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Interpretation |
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