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C- Reactive Protein Quantitative

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C-reactive protein (CRP) Test detects the presence of CRP in blood. CRP is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and it can rise in response to inflammatory conditions including infection, trauma, heart and autoimmune diseases. Other tests are performed along with CRP to diagnose a particular condition and determine the location. It also helps to monitor the treatment post an infection and inflammation.
During the previous wave of pandemic, it was seen that people with elevated levels of CRP showed many-fold increase in the risk of developing severe COVID infection. Hence, getting tested for CRP during COVID infection and recovery phase can be crucial to identify the risk of severe disease.

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Preparation for this test

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What does C- Reactive Protein Quantitative measure?

CRP Test measures the levels of CRP in blood to detect the presence of an inflammation or to monitor the treatment and progress of an inflammatory condition. C-reactive Protein or CRP is an acute phase reactant protein which is produced and secreted by the liver in response to an inflammation in the body, which may be caused by tissue injury, infection, or autoimmune diseases. CRP levels increase in patients with trauma, heart attack, autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections, sepsis, post surgery, 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.

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.

A variant of the CRP test is the High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Test (hs-CRP) which is more sensitive for CRP levels and can detect blood CRP levels at a lower concentration than the standard CRP Test. The hs-CRP Test is performed usually to determine the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases in otherwise healthy individuals.

FAQs related to C- Reactive Protein Quantitative

Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

What is the difference between CRP and highly sensitive CRP (hsCRP)?

Both tests measure the same protein in the blood. The hsCRP is performed on healthy people to determine their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

What additional tests can be prescribed by the doctor in case the result of CRP test is not normal?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal CRP test result are: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test, Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test, Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (anti-CCP Antibody) Test.

What factors can affect the CRP levels in blood?

Blood CRP levels can be affected by: certain medications like birth control pills, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), obesity, Diabetes, smoking, heavy exercise and pregnancy.

Which are the diseases associated with high CRP levels?

Conditions that are associated with high blood CRP levels include Osteomyelitis or bone infection, autoimmune arthritis (Rheumatoid), other autoimmune diseases like Lupus, connective tissue disease, etc., inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, cancers like Lymphoma and infections (e.g. pneumonia).

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

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Last Updated

25th Oct 2023