What is a CRP test? - LEARN WITH FUN

Here is complete information about the CRP test. What is the CRP test? Why do you need to do a CRP test? What are the normal and abnormal values of the CRP test? Difference between CRP test and hs-CRP test. What is inflammation? In which conditions, your doctor is suggesting you this test.

C-Reactive Protein test (CRP) tells the level of C-Reactive Protein in your blood. It is a protein that is made by your liver.

It comes in your bloodstream in response to inflammation.

What is inflammation?

When you have any kind of infection or you get injured then your body protects your tissues by causing inflammation. It can be in the form of pain, redness and swelling in the injured or affected area.

Other reasons of inflammation are autoimmune disorders and chronic diseases.

Normal Range of CRP test: – Normally, you have low level of C-Reactive Protein in your blood.

High level of C-Reactive Protein indicates serious infection or any other disorder.

Why do you need of C-Reactive Protein test (CRP)?

A C-Reactive Protein test (CRP) is used to monitor conditions that cause inflammation.

Bacterial infection
Fungal infection
An autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Chronic disease
Osteomyelities ( an infection of the bone)
Viral infection

If you are having serious infection with following symptoms, Dr. suggests you a C-Reactive Protein test (CRP).

Fever
Chills
Rapid Breathing
Rapid heart rate
Nausea and vomiting

Normal range or value of C-Reactive Protein test (CRP):- Less than 10 milligram per liter(mg/L).

A value more than 10 milligram per liter (mg/L) is the sign of serious infection and chronic diseases.

If your C-Reactive Protein test (CRP) shows high level of CRP, you probably have some kind of inflammation. It does not explain exact cause and location of the inflammation. So your doctor may suggest more tests to know the cause of your inflammation.

If you have already been diagnosed with an infection or a chronic disease, C-Reactive Protein test (CRP) may be used to monitor your treatment. The level of CRP tells that how much inflammation you have. A decrease in the CRP levels indicates that your treatment for inflammation is working.

Some other factors can also increase your CRP levels like smoking, obesity and lack of exercise.

What is hs- CRP test ?

Note:- CRP and hs-CRP, both measure CRP but they are used to diagnose different condition.

A High-sensitivity (hs) CRP test measures much lower level of CRP. This test is used to check the risk of heart disease.

If your Dr. suggests you hs-CRP test to measure your risk of heart disease then the value of your hs- CRP suggests:-

1. Lower risk :- If you have hs-CRP level less than 2 milligram per

liter(mg/L).

2. Higher risk :- If you have hs-CRP level greater than 2 milligram per liter(mg/L).

The level of CRP vary over the time, so your Doctor’s suggests repeat test after interval of one or two weeks in order to determine the risk of coronary artery disease.

If your doctor is suggesting to you hs-CRP test to check your heart disease, your doctor likely request a cholesterol test at the same time.

What I need for preparing myself to give blood sample ?

You don’t need any special preparation for giving a blood sample. A health care person will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm with the help of a small needle. A small quantity of blood will be collected in a test tube.