C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of CRP in blood. CRP is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is often used as an indicator of inflammation in the body and can help detect conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease).

Why consider this Test?

A CRP test may be used to help find or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions, including:

• Infections from bacteriaor viruses
• Inflammatory bowel disease, disorders of the intestines that include Crohn's diseaseand ulcerative colitis
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis

Lung diseases, such as asthma

Who should get this Test Done?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as:

• Fevers or chills
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing

Nausea and vomiting

More about test :

C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of C-reactive protein — a protein made by liver in blood. Liver releases CRP into bloodstream in response to inflammation.

When body encounters an offending agent (like viruses, bacteria or toxic chemicals) or have an injury, it activates immune system. Immune system sends out its first responders: inflammatory cells and cytokines.

These cells begin an inflammatory response to trap bacteria and other offending agents or start healing injured tissue. The result can be pain, swelling, bruising or redness. But inflammation also affects body systems such as joints.

Normally we have low levels of CRP in blood. Moderately to severely elevated levels may be a sign of a serious infection or other inflammatory condition.