CRP Test
CRP
|
Also Known As |
C-Reactive Protein Test, CRP Blood Test, Serum CRP Test, Plasma CRP Test, Inflammation Marker Test |
|
Purpose |
To detect and monitor inflammation, infection, and assess heart disease risk |
|
Preparation |
No Special preparation. |
|
Fasting |
Not required |
|
Reporting Time |
After 4 hours |
|
Cost |
400 |
What Is a CRP Test?
A CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood. This protein is produced by your liver when your body has inflammation due to infection, injury, or chronic conditions like arthritis or heart disease.
The test helps doctors assess how much inflammation is present and whether your body is responding to treatment. Since CRP is a general marker of inflammation, it does not pinpoint the exact cause but gives your doctor valuable clues about underlying conditions that may need attention.
The test is done on a small blood sample taken from a vein in your arm and typically requires no fasting.
What Does a CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Test Measure?
- Infection Detection: Identifies bacterial or viral infections causing fever or weakness
- Inflammation Monitoring: Helps track diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) version helps predict heart disease risk
- Treatment Response: Assesses how well anti-inflammatory or antibiotic therapy is working
- Post-Surgery or Injury Monitoring: Detects inflammation or infection after surgery or trauma
Why Is a CRP Test Done?
- The CRP test helps doctors detect inflammation early, monitor treatment response, and evaluate your risk for heart-related conditions, making it a valuable tool for both acute and chronic care.
How Is a CRP Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The CRP test follows a straightforward blood collection process:
- Preparation: A tourniquet is applied to your upper arm.
- Cleaning: The skin at the puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic.
- Sample collection: A sterile needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
- Processing: Your sample is analysed using advanced immunoturbidimetric methods in the laboratory.
A CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood. This protein is produced by your liver when your body has inflammation due to infection, injury, or chronic conditions like arthritis or heart disease. The test helps doctors assess how much inflammation is present and whether your body is responding to treatment. Since CRP is a general marker of inflammation, it does not pinpoint the exact cause but gives your doctor valuable clues about underlying conditions that may need attention. The test is done on a small blood sample taken from a vein in your arm and typically requires no fasting.
CRP Test
Discover more in our FAQ
Do I need to fast before the CRP test?
Do I need to fast before the CRP test?
What does a high CRP level mean?
A high CRP levelindicates inflammation in the body, which could be due to infection, injury, orchronic disease.
Can stress affect CRP levels?
Yes, stress and poor lifestyle habits can mildly elevate CRP levels.
How is the CRP test performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and tested in the lab.
What are the types of CRP tests?
The standard CRP test checks general inflammation, while the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test assesses heart disease risk.
How soon will I get my CRP report?
Reports are available within 4 hours once your sample reaches the lab.
What conditions can increase CRP?
Infections, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, obesity, and chronic inflammation can raise CRP.
Can CRP levels return to normal?
Yes, CRP levels fall as inflammation or infection resolves with treatment.
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