While the term "AC reactive protein" is not standard in medical terminology, it is highly likely a typo for C-reactive protein (CRP). Based on the provided reference, here is the information about C-reactive protein:
Understanding C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
According to the Mayo Clinic, C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver. Its primary characteristic is that its level in the blood rises significantly when there is inflammation present in the body.
Think of CRP as a marker or indicator. When your body is dealing with issues like infections, injuries, or chronic diseases that cause inflammation, the liver releases more of this protein into your bloodstream. Therefore, a higher level of CRP is often associated with increased inflammation.
How CRP Levels Are Checked
Checking the level of C-reactive protein is done through a simple blood test.
Types of CRP Tests
There are different types of CRP tests available, depending on what information the doctor is looking for:
- Standard C-reactive protein test: This test measures CRP levels and is often used to detect inflammation in the body, commonly associated with conditions like infections or autoimmune diseases.
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test: As the name suggests, the hs-CRP test is more sensitive than the standard test. It can detect lower levels of inflammation and is sometimes used to assess the risk of heart disease, as inflammation plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis.
In summary, if you encountered the term "AC reactive protein," it most likely refers to C-reactive protein (CRP), a liver-produced protein that indicates inflammation in the body, measurable through a blood test.
