A CRP (C-reactive protein) test is a blood test that measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood to detect inflammation in the body.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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What is C-reactive protein (CRP)? CRP is a protein produced by the liver. Its levels rise in the blood when there is inflammation in the body.
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Purpose of the CRP test: The test helps doctors detect and monitor conditions that cause inflammation. It's not specific enough to pinpoint the exact cause of the inflammation but serves as an indicator that something is wrong.
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How the test is performed: It's a simple blood test. A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein, usually in your arm.
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Interpreting the results:
- A normal CRP level is generally considered to be less than 1.0 mg/dL.
- Higher CRP levels indicate inflammation. The higher the level, the more significant the inflammation.
- Mild to moderate elevations can be seen in various conditions like viral infections or colds.
- Very high levels may indicate a serious infection, significant injury, or inflammatory disorder.
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What high CRP levels might indicate:
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels.
- Cancer: Some cancers can cause elevated CRP levels.
- Heart disease: Elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation in the arteries, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. (In this case, a high-sensitivity CRP test or hs-CRP test is usually performed to assess heart disease risk).
- Injury or trauma: Tissue damage from an injury can raise CRP levels.
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Important Considerations: It is important to remember that CRP is a general marker of inflammation. If your CRP is elevated, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause.
In summary, a CRP test is a valuable tool for detecting inflammation in the body, helping healthcare professionals assess and manage various conditions. A positive CRP test (meaning a CRP level is higher than normal) necessitates further investigation to identify the underlying cause of the inflammation.
