CRP Test

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the level of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. When there is inflammation, infection, or tissue injury in the body, CRP levels rise rapidly, making this test an important marker for acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

CRP does not point to a specific disease but helps in identifying the presence, severity, and progression of inflammation.

🔬

What It Detects:

• Acute infections (especially bacterial)

• Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus

• Autoimmune disorders

• Post-surgical complications or trauma

• Helps in monitoring response to treatment

🔹

High CRP Levels May Indicate:

• Bacterial or viral infections

• Inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis, vasculitis)

• Tissue injury or trauma

• Certain cancers

• Post-surgical inflammation

• Heart disease (when used with high-sensitivity CRP)

🔹

Types of CRP Tests:

1. Standard CRP: Used to detect significant inflammation from infection or disease.

2. High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): Used to assess heart disease risk by detecting lower levels of inflammation.

🔹

Normal Range:

• Typically less than 10 mg/L

• Levels above this may indicate active inflammation or infection

🔹

Sample Required:

• A blood sample taken from a vein.

🔹

Preparation Needed:

• No special preparation or fasting is required.

🔹

Benefits of CRP Test:

• Quick, sensitive indicator of inflammation

• Helps doctors decide if further tests or treatments are needed

• Useful in tracking progress of ongoing illness or treatment

The CRP test is an essential tool for doctors to detect and monitor infections, inflammation, and chronic diseases. While it doesn’t diagnose a specific condition, it provides crucial insight into the body’s immune response and guides further medical evaluation.