The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures the concentration of CRP in the blood. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and its levels rise in the presence of acute or chronic inflammatory conditions. The quantitative CRP test provides a precise measurement of CRP levels, helping clinicians evaluate the degree of inflammation and monitor the progress of treatment.
Test Overview
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Its levels in the blood increase significantly in response to inflammatory conditions, making it a useful marker for detecting and monitoring inflammatory diseases.
CRP is not specific to any single disease but is a general marker of inflammation, which can be elevated in a wide range of conditions, including infections, chronic diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms and Causes of Elevated CRP Levels
Symptoms:
Elevated CRP levels themselves do not cause symptoms. Instead, high CRP levels are indicative of an underlying condition that is causing inflammation. The symptoms depend on the specific condition being investigated.
Infections: Fever (Common in infections), Fatigue (General feeling of tiredness and weakness), Pain (includes joint pain, muscle aches, or pain at the site of infection)
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Joint Pain and Swelling (like Rheumatoid Arthritis), Abdominal Pain (associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease), General Malaise (feeling unwell or having lack of energy)
Autoimmune Disorders: Skin Rashes (in conditions like Lupus), Breathing Difficulties: May Occur in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or vasculitis, Muscle weakness (often seen in conditions like Polymyositis)
Causes:
Infections: Bacterial Infections (such as pneumonia or sepsis); Viral Infections (cause elevated CRP, though generally to a lesser extent than bacterial infections).
Autoimmune Disorders: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE - A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs); Vasculitis: (Inflammation of the blood vessels).
Acute Conditions: Trauma or Surgery (Inflammatory response to injury or surgical procedures); Cancer: Certain types of cancer can elevate CRP levels.
Tests Done to Diagnose Elevated CRP Levels
Quantitative CRP Test:
Description: Measures the concentration of CRP in the blood. Higher levels indicate more significant inflammation.
Purpose: To assess the level of inflammation in the body, monitor disease activity, or evaluate response to treatment.
High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) Test:
Description: Detects lower levels of CRP to assess the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease.
Purpose: Used in the assessment of cardiovascular risk and to monitor chronic inflammatory conditions.
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate):
Description: Measures the rate at which red blood cells sediment in a test tube over a specific period.
Purpose: It is a non-specific test for inflammation that can be used alongside CRP for a comprehensive assessment.
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
Description: A broader test that can provide additional information on white blood cell count and other markers of infection or inflammation.
Purpose: Helps to determine the underlying cause of elevated CRP levels.
Test(s) Included (1)
C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP) - QUANTITATIVE (1)
C-REACTIVE PROTEIN CRP (QUANTITATIVE)
FAQ's
Who Should Get the CRP Test Done?
1. Patients with Suspected Infections:
? Purpose: To diagnose and monitor bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or sepsis.
2. Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases:
? Purpose: To assess disease activity and monitor response to treatment in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
3. People with Autoimmune Disorders:
? Purpose: To evaluate inflammation and manage conditions like lupus or vasculitis.
4. Pre-Surgical or Post-Surgical Patients:
? Purpose: To monitor inflammation and detect any complications following surgery or trauma.
5. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment:
? Purpose: For high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) testing, which helps evaluate the risk of heart disease.
What Does the CRP Test Measure?
1. CRP Concentration:
? Measurement: The test quantifies the amount of CRP in the blood, typically reported in milligrams per litre (mg/L).
? Interpretation: Normal CRP levels are generally low, but elevated levels indicate the presence of inflammation or infection.
2. Inflammation Levels:
? High Levels: Suggest significant inflammation, which can be associated with infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or autoimmune disorders.
? Moderate Levels: May indicate less severe inflammation, which could be due to chronic conditions or minor infections.
How to Prepare for the CRP Test?
1. Consultation:
? Discuss with Your Doctor: No special preparation is required, but it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any symptoms, medications, or existing medical conditions.
2. Fasting:
? Not Typically Required: Unlike some other blood tests, fasting is not usually necessary for the CRP test.
3. Avoid Certain Medications:
? Inform Your Doctor: Some medications may affect CRP levels. Inform your healthcare provider about any drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
4. Post-Test Monitoring:
? Follow-Up: Your doctor will review the results with you and discuss any further actions or treatments needed based on the CRP levels and clinical context.
Why Apollo Diagnostics
Apollo Diagnostics holds the distinction of being India's first laboratory to achieve ISO certification for logistics. This underscores the company's unwavering commitment to quality assurance with GRL lab (NABL & CAP accredited), backed by a team of highly trained professionals. With a vast network of over 1500+ diagnostic centres, strategically located across the country, Apollo Diagnostics processes over 10 million diverse tests every year, demonstrating its extensive reach and calibre. The company provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, encompassing a wide spectrum of tests, including those related to diabetes, heart health, kidney function, thyroid disorders, liver health, infertility and many more. The company's service portfolio encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including biochemistry, microbiology, serology, haematology, immunology, molecular, genomics and clinical pathology, among others.
