A CRP blood test measures the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a protein produced by your liver. Normally, CRP levels are low, but they significantly increase in response to inflammation anywhere in your body. This makes the CRP test a valuable tool for detecting inflammation, which can be caused by various conditions.
What does the CRP test show?
The test directly measures the amount of CRP in a blood sample. Elevated levels indicate the presence of inflammation. While not diagnostic of a specific condition, a high CRP level can point towards:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections often trigger an inflammatory response.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis involve chronic inflammation.
- Heart disease: High CRP levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
- Other inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also elevate CRP levels.
How is the test performed?
A CRP test is a simple blood test. A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days. There is little to no discomfort involved in the procedure.
Interpreting CRP levels:
While the normal range might vary slightly between labs, generally, a value of 0.8-1.0 mg/dL (or 8-10 mg/L) or lower is considered normal. Higher levels indicate inflammation, and the extent of elevation may help guide further investigations. For example, High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests offer more precise measurements, particularly useful in assessing cardiovascular risk.
Note: A CRP test alone cannot diagnose a specific condition. It is used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and a patient's medical history to reach an accurate diagnosis.
