C-Reactive Protein Qualitative
Understanding C-Reactive Protein Qualitative
What is C-Reactive Protein Qualitative?
C-reactive protein (CRP) Qualitative Test detects the presence of CRP in blood. This is a simple blood test that detects the conditions such as arthritis, lupus, acute bacterial/ viral infection, heart disease and autoimmune disease. It also helps to monitor the treatment post an infection and inflammation.
CRP is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and it can rise in any inflammatory condition. It can neither diagnose a condition by itself nor can it determine the location of a particular disease. Other tests are performed along with CRP qualitative to diagnose a particular condition and determine the location.
A positive result means that the CRP levels in the blood are increased.
What is C-Reactive Protein Qualitative used for?
The C-reactive Protein Test is done:
· To help detect the presence of an acute bacterial infection
· To help detect autoimmune diseases
· To monitor treatment for infection, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer
What does C-Reactive Protein Qualitative measure?
CRP Qualitative Test detects the presence of increased CRP in blood. C-reactive Protein or CRP is an acute phase reactant protein which is produced and secreted by the liver in response to any inflammation in the body, which may be caused by tissue injury, infection, or autoimmune diseases. CRP increases in patients of post surgery or patients suffering with trauma, heart attack, autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections, sepsis, cancer, etc. CRP levels are often increased before the onset of other symptoms of inflammation such as pain, fever, etc. CRP levels in blood fall as the inflammation subsides.
Another version of the CRP test called CRP Quantitative Test measures the levels of CRP in blood and is prescribed more routinely. CRP test is performed to determine the presence of an inflammation or to monitor the treatment and progress of an inflammatory condition. It is a non-specific test. It can neither diagnose a condition by itself nor can it determine the location of a particular inflammation or disease. Other tests along with physical examination are performed to diagnose a particular condition and determine the location.
CRP test can detect flare-ups in a chronic inflammatory condition, as well as is useful in monitoring the patient’s response to treatment.
A variant of the CRP test is the High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Test (hs-CRP) which is more sensitive as compared to standard CRP Test since it can detect even the lowest concentration of CRP levels in the blood. The hs-CRP Test is usually performed to determine the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases in otherwise healthy individuals.
Interpreting C-Reactive Protein Qualitative results
Interpretations
A positive test result means that the CRP levels in the blood are increased.
Higher CRP levels indicate the presence of an inflammation which may be caused by an infection, trauma, autoimmune diseases, cancers, etc.
The CRP Test can only detect the presence of an inflammatory condition. Other tests and physical examinations are performed to diagnose a particular condition.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about C-Reactive Protein Qualitative
Frequently Asked Questions about C-Reactive Protein Qualitative
Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?
Q. What is the difference between CRP and highly sensitive CRP (hsCRP)?
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
Q. What factors can affect the CRP levels in blood?
Q. Which are the diseases associated with high CRP levels?
Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the result of CRP Qualitative test is not normal?
Other tests
