C-reactive Protein, Serum (quantitative)

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the level of CRP in your blood. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and its levels increase when there is acute inflammation or infection in the body.

CRP is a useful marker for inflammation, it is a nonspecific test. Elevated levels indicate inflammation but do not pinpoint the exact cause or location of the problem.

1. Diagnose Inflammation
2. Monitor Disease Activity
3. Evaluate Treatment Response
4. Detect and Monitor Infections
5. Assess Risk of Complications

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is typically recommended for individuals based on specific clinical situations or symptoms.

Symptoms of Inflammation or Infection

Monitoring Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

1. Assessing Autoimmune Disorders
2. Post-Surgical Monitoring
3. Evaluating Fever of Unknown Origin
4. Assessing Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Your healthcare provider will decide whether a CRP test is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic findings.

C - reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Here’s more detailed information about CRP, including its functions, types of tests, and clinical significance.

1. Inflammation Marker: CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation. It is produced in response to signals from inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are released by immune cells during an inflammatory response.
2. Acute-Phase Response: CRP is part of the acute-phase response, a rapid response system of the body to injury, infection, or stress. Its levels increase quickly in response to inflammation and decrease once the inflammation resolves.
3. Immune System Role: CRP binds to dead or dying cells and pathogens, helping to activate the complement system, which enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens and dead cells.

Other Names: CRP, Acute Phase Reactant, Reactive Protein