A CRP test measures C-reactive protein in your blood, indicating inflammation, while a CBC test is a complete blood count providing information about different blood cells. According to provided reference, a CRP test alone can't identify the inflammation source, but when combined with other tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), it can help narrow the possible causes (21-Sept-2024).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
Purpose
- Measures the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood.
- CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammation.
- High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests can help predict the risk of heart attack (21-Sept-2024).
Limitations
- A CRP test cannot identify the specific cause or location of inflammation (21-Sept-2024).
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
Purpose
- A CBC test provides a comprehensive evaluation of the cells in your blood.
- Measures different components of blood, including:
- Red blood cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen.
- White blood cells (WBCs): Fight infection.
- Platelets: Help with blood clotting.
How they Work Together
- Narrowing Down Causes: Combining CRP and CBC results helps doctors narrow down the possible causes of inflammation (21-Sept-2024). For example, elevated CRP and WBC counts might suggest a bacterial infection.
