C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in a sample of your blood.
A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in a sample of your blood. Your liver makes CRP in response to inflammation. Inflammation is your body's way of protecting your tissues and helping them heal from an injury , infection , or other disease. When it's acute (sudden) and for a short time, inflammation is helpful. For example, when you get a cut on your skin, the area around the cut may turn red and swell. These are signs that inflammation is working to stop infection. Inflammation acts in a similar way when responding to germs or harmful substances (toxins) inside your body. If inflammation lasts too long, however, it can damage healthy tissues. This is called chronic (long-term) inflammation, and it is most often caused by certain autoimmune disorders . Chronic inflammation can also happen if your tissues are repeatedly injured or irritated, for example from smoking or chemicals in the environment. Other names: c-reactive protein, serum
Why is this test ordered? You may need this test if you have symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as: Fever or chills Rapid heart rate Rapid breathing Nausea and vomiting You may also need a CRP test if your provider wants to: Check for a chronic condition that causes inflammation. Monitor for infection after surgery. Monitor your condition and treatment if you have an infection or a chronic condition. Make treatment decisions if you have sepsis . Sepsis is your body's extreme response to an infection that spreads to your blood. It's a life-threatening medical emergency. CRP levels rise and fall depending on how much inflammation is in your body. So, if your CRP levels fall, it's a sign that your treatment for inflammation is working or that you're healing on your own.
Clinical Interpretation
In general, healthy people have very low amounts of CRP in their blood. A value of 0.8-1.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or lower is thought to be a healthy amount. Any increases above normal may mean you have inflammation in your body. However, increases can also be linked to: Insomnia . Depression . Hormone therapy for menopause . Obesity . Sex. Females often have slightly higher CRP levels than males. Your CRP test results tell you how much inflammation you have in your body, but not what's causing it or where it is. To make a diagnosis, your provider will look at your CRP results along with the results of other tests, your symptoms, and medical history. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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Some medicines may affect your results. So, tell your provider about any supplements or medicines that you take, including magnesium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Don't stop taking any prescription medicines without talking with your provider first.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.