Question about anti ccp test results

giri

New Member

Joined : Feb 2010

Posts : 1

Posted 2/16/2010 8:05 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,
I recently visited an ortho for recurring knee pain and after some questioning I casually mentioned I may be getting occasional morning stiffness (honestly I don't even know if that's true, cause I don't know exactly what parts become stiff and how) ANyways, he ordered anti-ccp and rf tests. The results were anti ccp < 7.0 (it says normal range between 0 and 17) and rf < 3 (negative < 20, positive > 20) The ortho says he cannot rule out RA, because normal CCP value should be around 0. He said I may be having sero negative RA. And because I wasn't showing any symptoms he said there is no need for treatment right now from RA standpoint. He then gave some different treatment for knee pain. But I am really conerened and confused whether or not I have RA. Should I see a Rheumat ? What does those CCP numbers mean ? If my values are within normal range, why is ortho saying I may have sero negative RA ? ANy help is truly appreciated !! THanks

golitho

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2008

Posts : 1670

Posted 2/16/2010 11:51 PM (GMT 0)

RA is actually quite hard to diagnose, a rheumatologist tends to use blood tests as a guide but relies more on your symptoms, you can have normal blood results and have swollen joints or you can have RA positive blood results and not have RA. So watch your stiffness, watch your joints for swelling and soreness, are you tired or fluey? These tend to be your first symptoms of RA. If the symptoms aren't bothering you then don't worry about the blood test results, they only come into play if your painful joints start to affect your life.
Hope this helps, golitho

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