Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is CRP (c-reactive protein)?
- When should I take CRP (c-reactive protein)?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking CRP (c-reactive protein)?
- Process
- What should I do before taking CRP (c-reactive protein)?
- How does CRP (c-reactive protein) process?
- What should I do after taking CRP (c-reactive protein)?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What is CRP (c-reactive protein)?
The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of protein (called C-reactive protein) in the blood. C-reactive protein measures the overall level of inflammation in the body. High levels of CRP are caused by infections and other long-term illnesses. However, the CRP test cannot show the location of the inflammation or its cause. Other tests are needed to determine the cause and location of the inflammation.
When should I take CRP (c-reactive protein)?
The CRP test is a test to check for inflammation in the body. This is not a specific test. This means that this test can show any inflammation in the body but cannot tell exactly where it is located.
Your doctor will do these tests to:
- detect inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis
- make sure anti-inflammatory drugs work in curing a disease or condition
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking CRP (c-reactive protein)?
Low CRP levels do not necessarily mean there is no inflammation. CPR levels may not increase in people with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and the cause is unknown.
A more sensitive CRP test, called the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay, can be done to determine a person's risk of developing heart disease. Many consider high levels of CRP to be a risk factor for heart disease. However, it is not known whether CRP is only a sign of cardiovascular disease or if it plays a role in causing heart problems.
Process
What should I do before taking CRP (c-reactive protein)?
There is no specific preparation for either the standard CRP test or the hs-CRP test. However, if your blood is drawn for other tests, you may need to fast or follow other directions. Ask your doctor if you had other tests at the same time. Several medications can affect your CRP levels. Tell your doctor about any medicines you use.
How does CRP (c-reactive protein) process?
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
- Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
- untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
- attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
- apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on
What should I do after taking CRP (c-reactive protein)?
An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm and will feel tight. You may not feel anything when you get the injection, or you may feel like you are stung or pinched. If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
Normal scores on this list (called references range) only serves as a guide. Range this varies from laboratory to laboratory, and your laboratory may have different normal scores. How much your lab report will usually contain range they use. Your doctor will also check your test results based on your health condition and other factors. This means if your test results go into range abnormal in this manual, it could be in your laboratory or for your condition the score is assigned to range normal.
Test results are usually available within 24 hours.
| C-reactive protein (CRP) | |
| Normal: | Less than 1.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL) or less than 10 milligrams per liter (mg / L) |
Any condition that causes sudden or severe inflammation can raise your CRP levels. Several medications can lower your CRP level. The doctor will discuss with you any abnormal results related to your symptoms and medical history.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measures the low amount of CRP in the blood. This test helps you find your risk of heart problems, especially those along with other risk factors such as cholesterol, age, blood pressure, and smoking. This test is done to find out if you have an increased risk of developing sudden heart problems, such as a heart attack or stroke. But the relationship between high CRP levels and heart disease risk is not well understood.
| High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level | |
| Normal: | Less than 0.1 mg / dL or less than 1 mg / L |
| Hs-CRP levels and risk of heart disease | |
| Less than 1.0 mg / L | Low risk |
| 1.0 to 3.0 mg / L | Medium risk |
| More than 3.0 mg / L | High risk |
Depending on your chosen laboratory, the normal range of the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test may vary. Discuss any questions you have about your medical test results with your doctor.
