Objective To investigate the value of detection of anti-cyclic peptide containing citrulline (anti-CCP) antibody, rheumatoid factor (RF) and the combined detection of anti-CCP antibody and RF in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods From 2012 to 2014,1 961 patients were divided into three groups:diagnosed RA group(509 patients), not RA group(1 028 patients) and firstly was not diagnosed RA but later was diagnosed RA group (424 patients). The levels of RF and anti-CCP antibody were separately measured by rate nephelometry method and the electrochemical luminescence method. Results The sensitivity of detecting by anti-CCP antibody alone or anti-CCP antibody in combination with RF between RA group and not RA group was not significant difference ( P>0.05), but the specificity between two groups (88.6%vs. 60.4%) was significant difference ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in the sensitivity (81.7% vs. 74.3%) and specificity (88.6% vs. 66.0%) between by using anti-CCP antibody alone and RF alone.In firstly was not diagnosed RA but later was diagnosed RA group, there were significantly difference in sensitivity (98.3%vs. 82.1%) and specificity (91.6%vs. 81.5%) by using anti-CCP antibody alone and RF alone. Conclusion There is important clinical value by using anti-CCP antibody alone for the early diagnosis of RA.